Internal Combustion Engine Connection Space for Hybrid Power Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In hybrid vehicle drives, the increase in axial or radial size of the housing due to terminal parts for connecting power supply cables to the motor leads to a larger overall drive size, necessitating a special constitution for the rotary electric machine connected to the internal combustion engine.
Innovation Solution
A power generation apparatus with a connection space formed in the internal combustion engine, allowing the power supply cable to be connected within the engine, thereby reducing the axial and radial size of the rotary electric machine and eliminating the need for a dedicated housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If terminal parts for connecting power supply cable are provided at outer circumferential portion of housing, then connection is enabled, but axial or radial size of housing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the connection function into the engine block by forming a connection space within the engine block that receives both the power supply cable and the motor. This integration eliminates the need for separate terminal parts on the housing outer circumference, thereby enabling connection capability while suppressing housing size increase.
2Ease of operation
If connection space is provided at outer circumferential portion of housing, then cable connection is enabled, but entire drive grows in size
Solution Approach 1:
The connection space is merged with the engine block structure, allowing the power supply cable to be connected within the engine block rather than requiring external space on the housing. This reduces the overall drive size while maintaining cable connection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection space is nested within the engine block, utilizing the internal space of the engine block to accommodate the cable connection. This nesting approach allows the connection function to be embedded within the existing structure without increasing external dimensions.
3Ease of operation
If axial dimension of connection space is increased, then connection is facilitated, but axial size of power generation apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection space is configured to extend primarily in the radial direction rather than the axial direction. This dimensional shift allows sufficient connection space to be provided without increasing the axial size of the power generation apparatus, as the connection facilitation is achieved through radial expansion within the engine block.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a power generation apparatus, which includes an internal combustion engine, and a rotary electric machine disposed adjacent to the internal combustion engine in an axial direction. The rotary electric machine includes coils to which an electric current is supplied from an external power apparatus via an electric power supply cable. Terminal parts connected to the coils and connection terminals of the electric power supply cable are connected in a predetermined connection space that is formed in part of a lower block of an engine block of the internal combustion engine.