Multi-Channel Closure Cover for Integrated Drive Lubrication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drive devices for motor vehicles are costly and complex to produce, requiring multiple separate closure elements for fluid channels, which complicates assembly and increases production time.
Innovation Solution
A drive device design where the lubricant pump is fluidically connected on the pressure side to the lubricant tank via a pressure channel, with all channels opening into a base body and covered by a single cover plate, allowing for simultaneous sealing and simplifying assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate closure elements are used for fluid channels, then sealing reliability is improved, but device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate closure elements into a single integrated cover plate that seals multiple fluid channels (suction channel, pressure channel, and feed channel) simultaneously. This merging approach reduces the number of parts while maintaining sealing effectiveness across all channels, thereby reducing device complexity and production cost without compromising sealing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single cover plate performs multiple sealing functions by simultaneously sealing the suction channel, pressure channel, and feed channel openings. This multi-functional design allows one component to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate closure elements, simplifying the overall structure while ensuring reliable sealing for all fluid pathways.
2Reliability
If multiple separate closure elements are used for fluid channels, then sealing reliability is improved, but assembly time and production efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple closure functions into a single cover plate, the patent enables all channel openings to be sealed in one assembly operation rather than requiring multiple separate installation steps. This significantly reduces assembly time and improves production efficiency while maintaining the same level of sealing reliability that would be achieved with multiple separate elements.
3Ease of manufacture
If channels are integrated within the machine housing, then production cost is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sealing function from the channel structure by using a separate cover plate that interfaces with the housing. This segmentation allows the channels to be cast or formed in the housing with standard tolerances, while the precision sealing requirements are handled by the dedicated cover plate component, thereby reducing overall manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a drive device for a motor vehicle. In said drive device, a machine housing (6) is provided in which a lubricant consumer (9), a lubricant tank (11), and a lubricant pump (13) are located, the lubricant pump (13) being fluidically connected to the lubricant consumer (9) on the suction side via a suction duct (16) and to the lubricant tank (11) on the pressure side via a pressure duct (18), and the lubricant tank (11) being fluidically connected to the lubricant consumer (9) via a feed duct (20), wherein the suction duct (16), the pressure duct (18) and the feed duct (20) are designed so as to be open in a main body (22) of the machine housing (6), in each case forming an opening (23), and the openings (23) are covered by means of a closure cover (24), that is fastened to the main body (22), so as to be fluidically separate from one another.