Vehicle Drive Unit Layout for Compact Pump and Gear Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to reduce the size of a vehicle drive apparatus in the axial view while minimizing the increase in size caused by the placement of a pump portion, given the large radial dimensions of the rotating electrical machine and differential gear mechanism, and the need to optimize the inter-axis distance between these components.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus is designed with the rotating electrical machine and input member on a first axis, the counter gear mechanism on a second axis, and the differential gear mechanism on a third axis, with the pump portion placed on the opposite side of an imaginary plane passing through the first and third axes, allowing for a force transmission mechanism that reduces the inter-axis distance and overlaps with the rotating electrical machine and differential gear mechanism, thus minimizing the overall size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the rotating electrical machine and differential gear mechanism are placed with a large inter-axis distance to accommodate their large radial dimensions, then the mounting space requirements are satisfied, but the size of the vehicle drive apparatus in the axial view increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensional reconfiguration by arranging components along multiple axes (first axis for rotating electrical machine, second axis for counter gear mechanism, third axis for differential gear mechanism) rather than linear placement. This spatial redistribution in three-dimensional space allows the apparatus to maintain compact axial footprint while accommodating the radial dimensions of large components through strategic positioning in the axial and radial directions simultaneously.
2Area of stationary object
If the pump portion is placed in an optimal location to minimize size increase, then the axial view size is reduced, but the cooling performance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The pump portion is nested within the spatial envelope defined by the rotating electrical machine and differential gear mechanism. Specifically, the pump is positioned to overlap with these components in axial view, utilizing the space already occupied by other components. This nesting approach allows the pump to be integrated without increasing the overall axial footprint, while its strategic placement ensures adequate cooling coverage through proximity to heat-generating components.
3Area of stationary object
If the inter-axis distance is reduced to minimize axial size, then the axial view size is reduced, but the components may interfere with each other
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric spatial arrangement where the counter gear mechanism is positioned on the second axis at a location that does not symmetrically align with the rotating electrical machine on the first axis or the differential gear mechanism on the third axis. This asymmetric positioning creates staggered spacing between components, allowing reduced inter-axis distances without causing interference, as each component occupies a unique spatial zone in the axial and radial directions.
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 a reduction in the inter-axis distance between the rotating electrical machine and differential gear mechanism, reducing the axial size of the vehicle drive apparatus and allowing for the placement of the pump portion without increasing the apparatus' size, while avoiding interference and optimizing cooling performance.
Implementation Method 1
a pump portion that suctions a coolant and discharges the coolant into the case
Data Source
AI summary
A rotating electrical machine and an input member are placed on a first axis, a counter gear mechanism is placed on a second axis, and a differential gear mechanism is placed on a third axis. The input member, the counter gear mechanism, and the differential gear mechanism have portions placed on an axial first side with respect to the rotating electrical machine. A pump portion is placed on the opposite side of an imaginary plane passing through the first axis and the third axis from the second axis, and is placed at a location that overlaps at least one of the rotating electrical machine and the differential gear mechanism in an axial view. The pump portion is placed on the axial first side with respect to the rotating electrical machine.