Compact Dual-Motor Drive Block Layout With Inverter and Parking Lock

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electric vehicle drive trains with two electric machines face challenges in compact installation space, especially in more compact vehicles or sports cars, while maintaining reliability and safety features.

Innovation Solution

The drive block configuration includes two electric machines arranged one behind the other, with transmissions attached to the end faces of the electric machines, forming a compact block that can be installed in a transverse orientation, similar to an internal combustion engine, and equipped with separate parking locks and inverters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If two electric machines are arranged one behind the other with transmissions attached to end faces, then installation space is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation spaceVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two electric machine drives into a single integrated drive block structure, where transmissions are attached to the end faces of electric machines arranged one behind the other. This merging approach consolidates multiple components into one compact unit, reducing overall installation space while managing complexity through systematic integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The drive block employs a nested arrangement where transmissions are positioned at the end faces of electric machines in a compact configuration. The inverter block is integrated within or adjacent to the drive block, creating a nested structure that optimizes space utilization by placing components within available spaces of the overall assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If separate parking locks are provided for each transmission, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent provides separate parking locks for each transmission in the drive block, segmenting the safety function into independent units. This segmentation ensures that each wheel can be independently secured, improving safety and reliability while managing complexity through modular design where each parking lock operates as a discrete, manageable component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Volume of moving object

If inverter block is integrated into drive block, then installation space is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation spaceVSAvoidmanufacturing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The inverter block is integrated into the drive block structure, merging power conversion components with the mechanical drive components. This integration reduces overall installation space by eliminating separate mounting locations, while the patent manages manufacturing precision requirements through coordinated design of the integrated assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS12330489B2Compact block-like electric drive with an inverter block and parking lock
Publication Date: 2025.06.17 HOFER POWERTRAIN INNOVATION GMBH
  • US12330489B2 patent drawing
  • US12330489B2 patent drawing
  • US12330489B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A drive block, i.e. a block-like electric drive, includes two drives for driving respective wheels. Each of the two drives can be driven by a separate electric machine, i.e. by a first electric machine and a second electric machine, respectively. The drive block further includes an inverter block and a parking lock. The inverter block and the parking lock can be situated on different sides of a structural plane defined through centers of rotation of the first and second electric machines.