Motor Steering Controller Layout Above Submergence Limit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor-driven power steering unit controllers in vehicles are not adequately designed to operate effectively when the vehicle traverses water surfaces, as they are prone to submersion and heat exposure from engine oil coolers, and lack protection from environmental elements like dust and water.
Innovation Solution
The controller is positioned on the front side relative to the steering shaft and above the vehicle's submergence limit, alongside the oil cooler, with a turret-like housing supporting the steering shaft and an opening in the rear wall for the connecting wire, and the submergence limit set at the air vent tube or muffler openings to prevent submersion and heat exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the controller is positioned near the steering shaft for compact layout, then the device complexity is reduced, but the controller becomes prone to submersion when the vehicle traverses water surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is repositioned from a conventional location near the steering shaft to the front of the vehicle, above the submergence limit. This spatial relocation in the vertical dimension (above water level) and longitudinal dimension (front of vehicle) resolves the contradiction by preventing submersion while maintaining layout compactness through strategic positioning.
2Device complexity
If the controller is positioned close to the oil cooler for compact arrangement, then the device complexity is reduced, but the controller is exposed to heat from the engine oil cooler
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is extracted from the vicinity of the oil cooler and repositioned to the front of the vehicle above the submergence limit. This separation removes the controller from the harmful thermal environment of the oil cooler while maintaining system compactness through optimized spatial arrangement.
3Reliability
If the housing is made sealed for protection from environmental elements, then the reliability is improved, but the wire connection between the motor-driven power steering unit and controller becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented with a dedicated opening in the rear wall specifically for wire passage. This segmentation allows the housing to remain sealed for environmental protection while providing a controlled access point for wire connection, resolving the contradiction between sealing and manufacturability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration allows the vehicle to be driven while observing the controller and prevents submersion, reduces heat exposure from the oil cooler, and protects the controller from environmental debris, ensuring reliable operation in wet conditions.
Implementation Method 1
when warmed engine oil is circulated through the oil cooler, the heat of the oil cooler is carried rearwards from the oil cooler by the running airflow
Data Source
AI summary
To provide a layout structure for a motor-driven power steering unit controller configured to take into account the water level at which submergence of the vehicle is expected to occur. In a vehicle including a steering shaft rotatably supported on a vehicle body frame, a steering bar handle attached to the upper end of the steering shaft, a motor-driven power steering unit mounted onto the lower end of the steering shaft, and at least two front wheels, a controller for controlling the motor-driven power steering unit is laid out on the front side relative to the steering shaft and above a horizontal line indicative of the submergence limit of the vehicle.