Coolant Pump Support Assembly for Tight EV Motor Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of ancillary components, particularly a water pump, in the electric motor cooling circuit of hybrid or electric motor vehicles is challenging due to the bulkiness of inverter and electric motor components, which complicates integration in under-hood environments with limited space and induces mechanical issues.
Innovation Solution
A pump support assembly comprising a structural element, coolant pump, and a pump bracket with fixing arms and a fixing member, allowing easy integration and secure attachment using a single fastening element, enhancing mechanical strength and vibration damping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the water pump is mounted on a support fixed to a structural element by means of two fixing devices arranged along a longitudinal axis, then the pump can be securely fixed, but the configuration is not compatible with the movements induced by the electric motor in an under-hood environment with significant space constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure incorporates a pivotable connection that allows the pump assembly to rotate or pivot relative to the structural element. This dynamic connection enables the pump to accommodate movements and vibrations from the electric motor while maintaining secure fixation, resolving the contradiction between fixing strength and adaptability to motor movements.
2Device complexity
If traditional mounting configurations are used for the water pump, then the fixing structure is simple, but assembly is complex and mechanical strength is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fixing functions into a single integrated support structure with a pivotable connection. This merged design consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate fixing components, simplifying the overall assembly process while maintaining or enhancing mechanical strength, thus resolving the contradiction between structure complexity and assembly ease.
3Reliability
If the pump support uses multiple fastening elements, then the fixation is more secure, but the assembly process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotable connection integrates multiple fixation requirements into a single fastening mechanism. This allows the assembly to achieve reliable fixation with fewer fastening elements, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining fixation reliability through the combined securing and pivoting functions in one connection system.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a motor vehicle assembly comprising: - a structural element (11), - a cooling liquid pump (10), and - a pump support (12) on which the cooling liquid pump (10) is attached, - the pump support (12) comprising two attachment arms (14, 15) disposed on either side of the structural element (11), - the two attachment arms (14, 15) each comprising an attachment hole disposed facing a corresponding attachment hole (19) in the structural element (11), - said assembly comprising an attachment member (21) inserted in the attachment holes of the attachment arms (14, 15) of the pump support (12) as well as in the attachment hole (19) of the structural element (11) in order to allow the attachment of the pump support (12) on the structural element (11).