Throttle Valve Insert Structure for ESD Testing and EMI Grounding

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Throttle valves with plastic housings pose challenges in testing the influence of electrostatic discharge from electric motors on electronic devices, as traditional electrostatic discharge guns cannot access the metal housing, and also hinder the grounding of filter capacitors needed to remove electromagnetic interference.

Innovation Solution

A throttle valve design with a partially exposed electrically conductive insert body and connector allows direct access for electrostatic discharge testing and grounds the electric motor housing via a conductive connector, enabling effective testing and interference removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If a plastic housing is used to reduce weight, then the weight of the throttle valve is reduced, but the electrostatic discharge gun cannot access the metal housing for testing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweight of throttle valveVSAvoiddifficulty of electrostatic discharge testing
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is segmented into plastic and metal portions, with the metal portion specifically designed to be accessible for electrostatic discharge testing. This allows the overall housing to be lightweight plastic while maintaining a testable metal interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A metal insert or metal portion of the housing acts as an intermediary that provides the necessary electrical conductivity for electrostatic discharge testing, bridging the gap between the non-conductive plastic housing and the testing requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If a plastic housing is used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but the filter capacitor cannot be grounded to remove electromagnetic interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing cost of housingVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference from electric motor
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is divided into plastic and metal sections, where the metal section specifically serves as a grounding path for the filter capacitor. This segmentation allows the housing to be primarily plastic for cost reasons while incorporating metal only where needed for EMI control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The housing has different material properties in different locations: plastic in most areas for cost and weight benefits, and metal in specific areas for grounding and EMI control. This local differentiation optimizes both manufacturing cost and electromagnetic compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If a metal housing is used, then electrostatic discharge testing is straightforward, but the weight of the throttle valve increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of electrostatic discharge testingVSAvoidweight of throttle valve
Core Design Contradiction:
Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The housing structure is segmented to include a metal portion that provides testability and a plastic portion that reduces weight. This segmentation allows the system to benefit from both material types without requiring a complete metal housing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The metal insert or metal housing portion serves multiple functions: it provides a pathway for electrostatic discharge testing, serves as a grounding path for the filter capacitor, and maintains structural integrity, thereby replacing multiple separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Facilitates reliable electrostatic discharge testing and electromagnetic interference mitigation by allowing direct access for testing and grounding, simplifying manufacturing, and reducing costs.

Implementation Method 1

the electrostatic discharge gun shoots the metal housing, and the static electricity generated by the electrostatic discharge gun reaches the electronic device for a simulation test

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic discharge: Electrostatic Discharge

Implementation Method 2

one end of the electric motor connector is electrically connected to the insert body, and the other end is electrically connected to the electrically conductive housing of the electric motor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP3853457B1Throttle valve and vehicle
Publication Date: 2024.02.21 VITESCO TECHNOLOGIES GMBH
  • EP3853457B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3853457B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3853457B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed is a throttle valve for a vehicle, the throttle valve comprising a housing (1), an electric motor (2) and an insert (3), wherein the electric motor (2) is accommodated in the housing (1) and is used for driving the opening and closing of an air flow passage of the throttle valve; the insert (3) is partially enclosed in the housing (1) and comprises an electrically conductive insert body (32) and an electrically conductive electric motor connector (31), and the insert body (32) is at least partially accessibly exposed from the housing (1); and one end of the electric motor connector (31) is electrically connected to the insert body (32), and the other end thereof is electrically connected to the electrically conductive housing of the electric motor (2). The structure also implements testing for the performance of an electronic device for the resistance to the electrostatic discharge from a throttle valve in the case of a plastic housing of the throttle valve. In addition, when the throttle valve is connected to an engine, the grounding of a filter capacitor connected to the electrically conductive housing of the electric motor is allowed to further remove the electromagnetic interference generated in the electric motor.