Vehicle Drive Shaft Support Using Shared Axial Bearing Functions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle drive apparatuses require two dedicated bearings to restrict movement of the connecting shaft in both axial directions, increasing costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus uses a second bearing between the connecting shaft and the case to handle large loads from ballooning of the fluid transmission device, and a first bearing between the rotor support member and the case to manage smaller loads, eliminating the need for a dedicated bearing on the first axial side.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two dedicated bearings are used to restrict movement of the connecting shaft to both sides in the axial direction, then the connecting shaft is securely supported, but the number of components increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first bearing B1, originally designed to support the rotor support member 60, is made to serve dual functions: supporting the rotor support member and simultaneously supporting the connecting shaft 30. This is achieved by positioning the first bearing B1 such that it can receive loads from both the rotor support member and the connecting shaft, eliminating the need for a separate second bearing while maintaining support stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the support functions of two separate bearings into a single bearing system. The first bearing B1 is positioned and configured to handle loads from both the rotor support member 60 and the connecting shaft 30, combining what would traditionally require two separate bearing components into one integrated support solution.
2Reliability
If two dedicated bearings are used to restrict movement of the connecting shaft in axial directions, then axial movement is fully constrained, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first bearing B1 is designed and positioned to perform multiple support functions simultaneously. It supports both the rotor support member 60 and the connecting shaft 30, receiving loads from both components. This multi-functional design reduces the total number of bearings required, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining full axial movement constraint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the support functions that would traditionally require two separate bearings into a single integrated bearing system. By making the first bearing B1 responsible for supporting both the rotor support member and the connecting shaft, the design reduces component count and associated manufacturing costs while preserving the necessary axial movement constraints.
3Strength
If a second bearing is added to handle large loads from ballooning, then load capacity increases, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first bearing B1 is positioned and configured to handle large loads from ballooning of the fluid transmission device by simultaneously supporting both the rotor support member and the connecting shaft. This multi-functional bearing design provides the necessary load capacity without requiring an additional second bearing, thereby maintaining strength while reducing component count.
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 effectively restricts movement of the connecting shaft in both axial directions with a reduced number of components, lowering costs and simplifying the structure while maintaining functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a first bearing B1 disposed between the rotor support member 60 and the case 4 in a radial direction R so as to restrict movement of the rotor support member 60 to the first axial side L1
Implementation Method 2
a second bearing B2 disposed between the connecting shaft 30 and the case 4 in the axial direction L so as to restrict movement of the connecting shaft 30 to the second axial side L2
Implementation Method 3
Movement of the connecting shaft 30 to the first axial side L1 relative to the tubular portion 71 is restricted
Data Source
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AI summary
A vehicle drive apparatus includes: a first bearing (B1) disposed between a rotor support member (60) and a case (4) in a radial direction (R) so as to restrict movement of the rotor support member (60) to a first axial side (L1) relative to the case (4); and a second bearing (B2) disposed between a connecting shaft (30) and the case (4) in an axial direction (L) so as to restrict movement of the connecting shaft (30) to a second axial side (L2) relative to the case (4). A fluid transmission device is disposed on the first axial side (L1) relative to the connecting shaft (30). The rotor support member (60) includes a tubular portion (71) having a tubular shape extending in the axial direction (L) and fitted to an outer peripheral surface of the connecting shaft (30). Movement of the connecting shaft (30) to the first axial side (L1) relative to the tubular portion (71) is restricted.