Axial Overlap Rotary Electrical Machine Fluid Coupling Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drive devices with a rotary electrical machine attached to a torque converter face space constraints, making them radially non-compact compared to conventional configurations.
Innovation Solution
A drive device configuration that includes a fluid coupling and a rotary electrical machine, where the rotary electrical machine is positioned on the second side in the axial direction, overlapping the fluid coupling, allowing for a radially compact design. The rotary electrical machine includes a first stator and rotor, with the rotor attached to the outer shell of the fluid coupling, mitigating deformation impacts and inhibiting axial movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the rotary electrical machine is attached to the torque converter, then the drive device can be made radially compact, but space shortage becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The rotary electrical machine is nested within the axial space of the fluid coupling, with the rotor positioned on the second side in the axial direction and overlapping the fluid coupling in axial view. This nesting arrangement allows the electrical machine to occupy axial rather than radial space, achieving radial compactness while maintaining sufficient internal space for operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a radial arrangement to an axial arrangement by positioning the rotary electrical machine on the second side in the axial direction relative to the fluid coupling. This dimensional shift moves the space constraint from the radial dimension to the axial dimension, enabling radial compactness while managing space requirements in the axial direction.
2Reliability
If the rotor is attached to the outer shell of the fluid coupling, then deformation impact is mitigated, but axial movement of the rotor may occur due to deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor is attached to a specific location on the outer shell of the fluid coupling where deformation characteristics are favorable. By selecting an attachment position with appropriate local structural properties, the design mitigates deformation impact while maintaining rotor position stability through localized structural optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer shell of the fluid coupling serves as an intermediary structure between the rotor and the deformable torus region. By attaching the rotor to the outer shell rather than directly to the torus, the design isolates the rotor from direct deformation effects while the shell's structural integrity maintains rotor position stability.
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 enables the creation of a radially compact drive device by optimizing the placement of the rotary electrical machine relative to the fluid coupling, enhancing structural integrity and preventing deformation-induced axial movement.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid coupling (2), in which a torque is inputted from a first side in an axial direction and is outputted to a second side in the axial direction
Data Source
AI summary
A drive device includes a fluid coupling and a rotary electrical machine. The fluid coupling is configured such that a torque is inputted thereto from a first side in an axial direction and is outputted therefrom to a second side in the axial direction. The rotary electrical machine includes a first stator and a rotor. The first stator is disposed in a non-rotatable manner. The rotor is disposed to be rotated about a rotational axis of the fluid coupling. The rotary electrical machine is disposed on the second side with respect to the fluid coupling in the axial direction. The rotary electrical machine overlaps the fluid coupling in an axial view.