Steering System Thermal Protection via Dynamic Cooling Slope Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Steering system electrical components in vehicles face damage due to inadequate temperature control during frequent ignition cycles, leading to suboptimal thermal protection and potential wear.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilize a temperature sensor to determine the slope of temperature change over a period, initiating a first cooling function if the slope is less than or equal to a threshold and a second cooling function if greater, to manage the thermal protection of electrical components based on specific cooling rates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If frequent ignition cycles occur, then the vehicle can be started and stopped quickly, but electrical components experience thermal damage due to inadequate cooling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveignition cycle frequencyVSAvoidelectrical component durability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cooling system dynamically adjusts its operation based on real-time temperature monitoring. The controller continuously receives temperature values from sensors and adapts the cooling function intensity accordingly, allowing the system to respond flexibly to varying thermal conditions during frequent ignition cycles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a closed-loop feedback mechanism where temperature sensors continuously monitor electrical component temperatures and feed this information back to the controller. The controller processes this feedback and adjusts the cooling function intensity based on the slope of temperature change, ensuring optimal protection during frequent ignition cycles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Device complexity

If a single fixed cooling rate is used, then the cooling system is simple to control, but it cannot effectively protect against rapid temperature changes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling control simplicityVSAvoidthermal protection effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cooling system transitions from a static fixed-rate approach to a dynamic multi-rate system. The controller adjusts the cooling function intensity based on the calculated slope of temperature change, enabling the system to adapt to varying thermal conditions and provide effective protection during rapid temperature changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the cooling rate parameter based on thermal conditions. When the temperature slope exceeds a threshold indicating rapid heating, the controller intensifies the cooling function by adjusting cooling parameters such as coolant flow rate or cooling element activation, providing enhanced protection during critical thermal events.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If temperature monitoring is continuous, then thermal damage is prevented, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal protectionVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies partial monitoring by continuously tracking temperature during critical periods such as ignition cycles, rather than maintaining full continuous monitoring at all times. The cooling function is activated based on temperature slope thresholds, providing protection during high-risk periods while reducing energy consumption during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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

Effectively prevents thermal damage by ensuring appropriate cooling of electrical components in steering systems, even during frequent ignition cycles, thereby extending their lifespan and maintaining system performance.

Implementation Method 1

receiving a plurality of temperature values from a temperature sensor over a period, the temperature sensor being associated with at least one electrical component

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTemperature sensing: Thermocouple

Implementation Method 2

initiating a first cooling function configured to cool the at least one electrical component based on a first cooling rate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

initiating a second cooling function configured to cool the at least one electrical component based on a second cooling rate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentUS20240414893A1Systems and methods for providing thermal protection for steering systems

Publication Date: 2024.12.12 STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORP

AI summary

A method for electrical component temperature control includes, in response to an ignition on signal indicating an ignition is in an on position, receiving a plurality of temperature values from a temperature sensor over a period, the temperature sensor being associated with at least one electrical component; determining a slope of a change in temperature over the period based on the plurality of temperature values; in response to an absolute value of the slope being less than or equal to a threshold, initiating a first cooling function; and, in response to the absolute value of the slope being greater than the threshold, initiating a second cooling function.