E-Compressor Mounting Sleeve Integrated With Gearbox-Side Motor Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

The bulkiness and interference issues of electric compressors (e-compressors) with the electric machine's gearbox and filtration system in hybrid vehicles necessitate a more efficient mounting solution that reduces size and maintains vibration performance.

Innovation Solution

A mounting sleeve extending from the compressor to the gearbox side, integrated with the reducer, and transverse mounting lugs on the compressor and reducer for secure attachment, allowing the compressor to be positioned without degrading vibration performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the compressor is mounted on the electric motor, then the filtration system can be utilized, but the compressor becomes bulky and cannot be integrated onto engines

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegration capabilityVSAvoidcompressor size
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting sleeve is integrated directly into the compressor body structure, merging the mounting function with the compressor housing. This eliminates the need for separate mounting brackets and reduces overall compressor size while maintaining integration capability with the electric motor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The compressor mounting system is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides structural support for the compressor, integrates with the electric motor's filtration system, and maintains compact dimensions. The mounting sleeve acts as both a structural component and a mounting interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Strength

If the second support is used on the gearbox side, then sufficient rigidity is achieved, but the fixing points require sufficient spacing that conflicts with compressor mounting

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport rigidityVSAvoidmounting flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The support system is divided into two independent parts: the original second support for the electric machine and the new mounting sleeve integrated into the compressor. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without interfering with the other, enabling both rigidity and mounting flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting sleeve acts as an intermediary element between the compressor and the gearbox side mounting points. It provides the necessary mounting interface while maintaining the required spacing for the second support, thus mediating between the conflicting requirements of rigidity and mounting flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If the compressor is attached to the gearbox side of the electric machine, then mounting is achieved, but it causes interference with the second support of the electric machine

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting easeVSAvoidsupport configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting function is extracted from the electric machine's second support and relocated to the compressor body through the integrated mounting sleeve. This extraction eliminates the interference between the compressor and the second support, as the mounting points are now part of the compressor structure rather than the electric machine support system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP4523933B1Motor vehicle comprising an electric machine, an air-conditioning compressor forming a support for said electric machine
Publication Date: 2026.01.28 RENAULT SA
  • EP4523933B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4523933B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4523933B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A motor vehicle (1) comprising at least one electrical machine (3) extending along a transverse axis (Y) between two longitudinal members (2), said electrical machine (3) comprising a drive shaft integral with a gearbox (6), the motor vehicle further comprising a compressor (10) of an air conditioning system extending along a longitudinal axis (X) perpendicular to the transverse axis (Y). The compressor (10) comprises a mounting sleeve (7) extending vertically from an external cylindrical surface (10a) of the compressor (10) towards the longitudinal member (2) on the gearbox (6) side and forming a support for the electrical machine (3) on the gearbox (6) side.