Vehicle Drive Unit Layout With Nested Inverter and Output Member
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing vehicle drive apparatuses with integrated rotary electric machines and inverter devices face space constraints, leading to increased size due to the overlapping of the inverter device with the rotary electric machine, necessitating larger vertical installations.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle drive apparatus design featuring a single-piece case with a partition dividing the housing chambers for the rotary electric machine and inverter device, allowing the inverter device to be housed while maintaining a compact size by overlapping the inverter device with the output member in a radial direction, thus preventing vertical expansion of the inverter housing chamber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the inverter device is disposed in a region where it overlaps with the rotary electric machine in a vertical view, then the installation region for the inverter device is limited in the horizontal direction, but the apparatus size increases in the vertical direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spatial arrangement by allowing the inverter device to overlap with the output member in the radial direction rather than only in the vertical direction. This dimensional repositioning enables the inverter device to be installed in a region that would otherwise be occupied by the output member, effectively utilizing three-dimensional space without increasing the overall vertical height of the apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The inverter device is nested within the radial space of the output member by positioning it such that its location in the radial direction overlaps with the output member. This nesting arrangement allows both components to coexist in a compact configuration where the inverter device utilizes the radial envelope of the output member, preventing vertical expansion while maintaining adequate spacing through the partition.
2Strength
If the first housing chamber and second housing chamber are separate components assembled to the case, then the case has lower rigidity, but the partition cannot be shared leading to increased weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the first housing chamber and second housing chamber into a single integrated case structure. The partition is formed as an integral part of this unified case, eliminating the need for separate components and assembly operations. This merging provides two benefits: it increases the rigidity of the case by creating a monolithic structure, and it reduces the weight by eliminating redundant partition structures and assembly hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition serves multiple functions within the integrated case structure: it divides the first housing chamber from the second housing chamber, provides structural support to enhance rigidity, and acts as a mounting surface for securing components. By making the partition an integral part of the case rather than a separate component, it fulfills both structural and functional roles simultaneously, reducing overall weight while maintaining strength.
3Volume of moving object
If the first housing chamber houses both the rotary electric machine and the output member, then the first axis and second axis can be disposed close to each other reducing apparatus size, but the partition must be provided between them
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the housing of the rotary electric machine and the output member within a single first housing chamber. The partition is integrated into this unified chamber structure, allowing both components to be positioned close together to minimize the overall apparatus size while maintaining necessary separation through the partition.
Solution Approach 2:
The first housing chamber is segmented by the partition into distinct regions for the rotary electric machine and the output member. This segmentation allows close positioning of the two components to reduce overall size while maintaining functional separation and preventing interference between the rotating parts and electrical components.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle drive apparatus includes: a rotary electric machine disposed on a first axis; a differential gear mechanism disposed on a second axis; an output member disposed on the second axis; an inverter device; and a case. The case is a single-piece case internally including: a first housing chamber housing the rotary electric machine; and a second housing chamber housing the inverter device and divided from the first housing chamber with a partition. At least a specified portion of the output member is housed in the first housing chamber. A location of the specified portion in an axial direction overlaps with the rotary electric machine. The partition is provided between the specified portion and the inverter device.