Vehicle Drive Case Layout With Fewer Sealing Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing vehicle drive device configurations require multiple sealing members due to numerous joined parts, leading to increased manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle drive device configuration with a case formed by three members, where the first and second drive force sources are placed on parallel axes, and the output members are supported by these members, reducing the number of sealing parts required.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the case is configured with five members joined in axial direction, then the structural support is improved, but the number of sealing parts increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The case is divided into three case parts (first, second, and third case parts) arranged in the radial direction, with the first case part having a support portion that extends radially inward to support the input member. This segmentation allows the case to provide structural support while reducing the number of joining interfaces compared to five-member configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The first case part integrates multiple functions: it forms part of the case structure, provides the support portion for the input member, and creates the bearing space for the rotating body. By combining these functions into a single case part, the patent reduces the total number of components and sealing interfaces while maintaining structural integrity.
2Strength
If the case is configured with five members joined in axial direction, then the structural support is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The case is divided into three case parts (first, second, and third case parts) arranged in the radial direction, with the first case part having a support portion that extends radially inward to support the input member. This segmentation allows the case to provide structural support while reducing the number of joining interfaces compared to five-member configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The first case part integrates multiple functions: it forms part of the case structure, provides the support portion for the input member, and creates the bearing space for the rotating body. By combining these functions into a single case part, the patent reduces the total number of components and sealing interfaces, thereby lowering manufacturing cost.
3Reliability
If multiple sealing members are used to seal joined parts, then the sealing reliability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The case is divided into three case parts (first, second, and third case parts) arranged in the radial direction, creating only two joining interfaces instead of four. This segmentation strategy maintains sealing reliability by providing adequate sealing at fewer, more critical interfaces while reducing the total number of sealing members required.
Solution Approach 2:
By integrating the support function into the first case part, the patent reduces the number of separate components and their corresponding joining interfaces. Fewer interfaces mean fewer sealing members are needed, simplifying the device while maintaining sealing reliability at the remaining critical joints.
Data Source
AI summary
A case for a vehicle drive device includes a first case part having a first support part, a second case part having a first part, and a third case part having a second part. The second case part is joined to the first case part on an axial-direction first side, the third case part is joined to the first case part on an axial-direction second side, a first rotating body and a first input member are placed between the first support part and the first part in an axial direction, in a supported state by the first support part and the first part, and a second rotating body and a second input member are placed between the first support part and the second part in the axial direction, in a supported state by the first support part and the second part.