Electric Drive Assembly Layout for Flexible Motor Length and Oil Cooling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electric drive assembly systems require redesign of electrical connections when changing the electric machine length, have inefficient cooling due to air cooling, and often cannot be centered in vehicles due to length, necessitating additional shafts for balancing.

Innovation Solution

The electric drive assembly system places the electrical connection assembly between the electric machine control module and the electric machine at the drive end of the rotor shaft, allowing for adjustable length without redesigning connections, and utilizes gearbox cooling oil for improved cooling efficiency, reducing the system's length and centering issues.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the electrical connection assembly is disposed at the non-drive end of the electric machine rotor shaft, then the connection between the electric machine and the gearbox assembly is simplified, but the length of the electric machine cannot be changed without redesigning the electrical connection assembly

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveConnection simplicityVSAvoidLength adjustability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical connection assembly is moved from the non-drive end to the drive end of the rotor shaft, changing its spatial position to a different dimension. This allows the electrical connection to be made at a location that does not interfere with length variations of the electric machine, enabling length adjustment without redesign while maintaining connection simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If air cooling is used for the electrical connection assembly, then the structure is simple, but the cooling efficiency is low

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveCooling structure complexityVSAvoidCooling efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The cooling of the electrical connection assembly is merged with the existing gearbox oil cooling system. The electrical connection assembly is positioned to utilize the cooling oil from the gearbox, combining two cooling functions into one system. This eliminates the need for a separate air cooling structure while significantly improving cooling efficiency through liquid cooling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Area of stationary object

If the electric drive assembly system is disposed at a position offset from the centre of the vehicle, then there is sufficient space for installation, but the difference in length between left and right drive shafts increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveInstallation spaceVSAvoidDrive shaft length difference
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The overall length of the electric drive assembly system is reduced by optimizing the arrangement of components and utilizing the vertical space more effectively. This parameter change in the system length allows the system to be positioned closer to the vehicle center, reducing the drive shaft length difference while still providing sufficient installation space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 allows for flexible length adjustment, enhanced cooling efficiency, and reduced length differences between drive shafts, enabling more compact and balanced vehicle installations.

Implementation Method 1

the electrical connection assembly in the electric drive assembly system may be cooled by cooling oil of a gearbox assembly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP4297253A1Electric drive assembly system, vehicle and method for assembling electric drive assembly system
Publication Date: 2023.12.27 VALEO ELECTRIFICATION
  • EP4297253A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4297253A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4297253A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to an electric drive assembly system, a vehicle and a method for assembling an electric drive assembly system. The electric drive assembly system comprises: a housing, comprising a main body and a cover; and the following, disposed in the housing: an electric machine, comprising a rotor shaft; a gearbox assembly, comprising a gear input shaft connected to the rotor shaft and disposed coaxially therewith, to receive torque from the electric machine; an electric machine control module, configured to control the electric machine, and superposed with the electric machine and/or the gearbox assembly in a direction transverse to the gear input shaft; and an electrical connection assembly, configured to electrically connect the electric machine control module to a stator of the electric machine.