EV Drive Hydraulic Circuit for Gear Shifting and Parking Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drive devices for electric vehicles face challenges in efficiently operating switch elements, parking locks, and cooling/lubrication systems, often requiring multiple components and pressure control mechanisms, which increase complexity, weight, and cost.
Innovation Solution
A drive device with a single electric pump and hydraulic circuit that delivers a medium through multiple branches to perform cooling/lubrication, operate switch elements, and engage/disengage the parking lock, using valve elements to manage flow and pressure efficiently, thereby reducing the number of parts and simplifying installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate pressure control mechanisms are used to operate switch elements, parking locks, and cooling systems, then reliable operation of each component is ensured, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate pressure control mechanisms into a single integrated pump system that serves multiple functions: cooling the electric machine, operating switch elements for gear engagement, and controlling the parking lock. This merging reduces the number of components while maintaining reliable operation of all subsystems through centralized hydraulic control.
Solution Approach 2:
The single pump system is designed with multi-functionality to perform diverse tasks: it provides cooling flow to the electric machine, generates hydraulic pressure for operating switch elements that engage/disengage gears, and controls the parking lock mechanism. This universal approach eliminates the need for dedicated pressure control mechanisms for each function.
2Reliability
If multiple separate pressure control mechanisms are used, then each component can be independently controlled, but weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple separate pressure control mechanisms are merged into a single pump assembly with integrated control circuitry. This consolidation significantly reduces the overall weight of the pressure control system while maintaining the ability to independently control switch elements, parking locks, and cooling flow through electronic control signals routed to the single pump.
3Device complexity
If a single pump is used for multiple functions, then weight and complexity are reduced, but pressure and flow requirements become more demanding
Solution Approach 1:
The single pump system incorporates dynamic control capabilities, allowing the pump to adjust its output pressure and flow rate in real-time based on the specific operational requirements. This dynamic adjustment enables the pump to meet varying power demands for cooling, gear switching, and parking lock operation without requiring oversized components, thus managing power requirements efficiently.
4Manufacturing precision
If multiple pressure control mechanisms are used, then precise pressure control is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple pressure control mechanisms are merged into a single integrated pump unit with centralized control electronics. This consolidation reduces manufacturing costs by eliminating redundant components, simplifying assembly procedures, and reducing inventory requirements, while maintaining precise pressure control through the integrated control system that can regulate output for each function independently.
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 solution allows for a compact, lightweight, cost-effective, and energy-efficient operation of the drive device, with high volume flows at low pressure levels, enabling simultaneous cooling, lubrication, and gear switching without the need for additional pressure control mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
The first branch can be flowed through by the medium to cool and/or lubricate the electric machine and/or the gearbox
Implementation Method 2
The first branch can be flowed through by the medium to cool and/or lubricate the electric machine and/or the gearbox
Implementation Method 3
The switch element can thus particularly be operated by means of the medium in such a way that the switch element is provided with the medium via the second branch
Implementation Method 4
The electric pump additionally comprises an electric motor, for example, which can be operated by means of electrical energy or electrical current
Data Source
AI summary
A drive device for a motor vehicle includes an electric machine having a gearbox where the motor vehicle is drivable electrically via the gearbox by the electric machine. At least one gear of the gearbox is switchable by operating a switch element. A medium is flowable through a circuit that has a first branch through which the medium is flowable to cool and/or lubricate the electric machine and/or the gearbox and a second branch through which the medium is flowable to operate the switch element. A pump delivers the medium through the circuit. The medium is flowable through a third branch of the circuit to operate the parking lock.