Axial Offset Device for Electric Machine Torque Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drive train systems in hybrid and electric vehicles face challenges due to axis offsets between modules, which are difficult to compensate for with high precision manufacturing and assembly, leading to increased loads on bearings and space requirements.
Innovation Solution
A structural unit with a torque-transmitting axle offset device, comprising a drive element, a driven element, and elastic elements arranged between them, allowing for axial, radial, and angular offsets, reducing the need for precise alignment and minimizing space and manufacturing effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If high-precision manufacturing and assembly are used to eliminate axis offsets, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity and installation space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an elastic element as an intermediary component between the drive element and driven element. This elastic element serves as a mediator that absorbs and compensates for axis offsets, allowing torque transmission without requiring high-precision alignment between the rotor and output element. The elastic element deforms elastically to accommodate misalignment, thereby eliminating the need for complex centering and bearing devices.
2Manufacturing precision
If complex centering and bearing devices are used to align modules, then manufacturing precision is improved, but installation space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic element acts as a compact intermediary that provides alignment compensation within a minimal space envelope. Unlike bulky centering and bearing devices, the elastic element achieves the same alignment function through its deformable structure, significantly reducing the installation space required while maintaining effective torque transmission.
3Reliability
If axial misalignment device with wobble-resistant bearing arrangement is used, then reliability is improved, but the bearing arrangement is subjected to very high loads
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic element serves as a load-absorbing intermediary between the drive and driven elements. It absorbs the misalignment forces through elastic deformation, preventing these forces from being transmitted directly to the rotor-stator bearing arrangement. This significantly reduces the load on the bearing while maintaining reliable torque transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic element provides beforehand cushioning by being pre-positioned between the drive and driven elements to absorb potential misalignment forces before they reach the bearing. This cushioning effect protects the bearing from high loads that would otherwise occur during operation with axis offsets.
4Device complexity
If elastic elements are used for torque transmission with axis offset, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by utilizing the elastic properties of the elastic element. Instead of requiring precise geometric parameters and alignment, the solution changes the physical state parameter of the connecting element to be elastic and deformable. This allows the system to tolerate a range of positioning variations while maintaining functional performance, thereby reducing manufacturing precision requirements.
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 effectively reduces the load on bearings, simplifies assembly, and allows for a compact, space-saving design by enabling torque transmission with minimal loss and vibration, while accommodating continuous changes in offsets during operation.
Implementation Method 1
The drive element and the driven element are operatively connected by at least one elastic element
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention concerns an assembly (10) comprising: an electric machine (12) having a stator (14) and a rotatable rotor (16); a rotatable output element (20), which is operatively connected to the rotor (16) in order to transmit torque; and an axial offset device (18). The invention is characterized in that the axial offset device (18) is disposed between the rotor (16) and the output element (20) and enables torque to be transmitted when there is an axial offset and/or an angular offset between a rotational axis (A1) of the rotor (16) and a rotational axis (A2) of the output element (20).