Steering Pump Motor Cooling Using Hydraulic Working Medium
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering systems for medium and heavy utility vehicles require significant installation space due to the distribution of components, and there is a need for effective cooling of electric motors to prevent overheating.
Innovation Solution
A control unit with a pump device and transmission device that incorporates an electric motor surrounded by a working medium, such as hydraulic oil, to dissipate heat, along with a method that provides motor signals to operate the electric motor during normal operating phases, reducing installation space and enhancing cooling efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If components of the steering device are arranged distributed in the vehicle, then the steering system can be implemented with external pump and pipe network, but the installation space required is large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electric motor and pump device into an integrated unit, eliminating the need for separate external pumps and pipe networks. The motor is surrounded by the working medium reservoir, creating a compact assembly that reduces installation space while maintaining steering system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The working medium serves multiple functions: it acts as the hydraulic fluid for steering operation and simultaneously as the cooling medium for the electric motor. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate cooling systems and reduces overall component count and installation space.
2Productivity
If the electric motor is operated continuously during normal operating phase, then the steering assistance is maintained, but the electric motor overheats
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the waste heat problem into a beneficial cooling system by using the working medium to absorb heat from the electric motor during normal operation. The motor is surrounded by the working medium, which continuously circulates and carries away heat, transforming the overheating issue into an effective passive cooling solution.
Solution Approach 2:
The electric motor cools itself by being surrounded by the working medium during normal operation. The continuous circulation of the working medium through the motor housing provides automatic cooling without requiring additional active cooling components or systems.
3Temperature
If the electric motor is surrounded by working medium for cooling, then the cooling efficiency is improved, but the motor design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The motor housing is merged with the working medium reservoir, eliminating the need for separate cooling channels or heat exchangers. The working medium directly contacts the motor housing, providing cooling through simple thermal conduction and fluid circulation without complex internal cooling structures.
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
The solution reduces the required installation space and effectively cools the electric motor, preventing overheating and ensuring reliable operation by using the working medium to dissipate heat generated during the motor's operation.
Implementation Method 1
the electric motor being surrounded at least partially by the working medium and, in addition or as an alternative, being washed around by it or being capable of being washed around by it
Implementation Method 2
the working medium can be configured, for example, to dissipate heat produced during operation of the electric motor
Data Source
AI summary
A control unit is provided for a vehicle with a steering device having a pump device, which includes a pump and an electric motor, and a transmission device. The control unit is designed to provide the electric motor with a motor signal for operating the electric motor in order to cool the electric motor in a normal operating phase of the steering device.