EV Powertrain-Driven AC Compressor to Save Space and Power

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Solution Overview

Problem

In electric vehicles, the separate configuration of a drive motor for the air conditioner occupies space and increases costs, as it requires additional components and power consumption, reducing passenger space and endurance mileage.

Innovation Solution

An electric vehicle drive system that integrates the powertrain to drive the air-conditioner compressor, eliminating the need for a separate drive motor by using a powertrain with a transmission system that includes mechanisms like two-way clutches and belt transmission mechanisms to power the compressor, allowing it to operate during travel, forward, reverse, or parked states.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a separate drive motor is configured for the air conditioner, then the air conditioner can be driven, but the vehicle space is reduced and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair conditioner driving capabilityVSAvoidpassenger space
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the air conditioner drive function with the existing powertrain system by integrating a transmission mechanism that can redirect power from the powertrain to the air conditioner compressor. This eliminates the need for a separate drive motor, thereby saving vehicle space while maintaining air conditioning functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The powertrain system is designed with multi-functionality, serving both the vehicle propulsion and the air conditioner driving needs. The transmission system can dynamically allocate power to different outputs, making the powertrain universal for both transportation and climate control functions.

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

2Ease of operation

If a separate drive motor is configured for the air conditioner, then the air conditioner can be driven, but the vehicle costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair conditioner driving capabilityVSAvoidvehicle manufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the air conditioner drive function with the existing powertrain system, eliminating the need for a separate drive motor. This reduces the total component count and manufacturing costs while maintaining full air conditioning functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The powertrain system is designed to serve multiple functions including both vehicle propulsion and air conditioner operation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components, thereby lowering overall vehicle manufacturing costs.

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

3Ease of operation

If a separate drive motor is configured for the air conditioner, then the air conditioner can be driven, but the power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair conditioner driving capabilityVSAvoidvehicle power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the air conditioner drive function with the powertrain system, allowing the air conditioner to be powered by the existing powertrain output rather than requiring a separate drive motor. This reduces overall power consumption by utilizing the already-generated power that would otherwise be unused during certain operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4088962B1Electric automobile driving system and electric automobile
Publication Date: 2024.06.19 HUAWEI DIGITAL POWER TECH CO LTD
  • EP4088962B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4088962B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4088962B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

This application relates to the field of vehicles, and specifically, to an electric vehicle drive system and an electric vehicle. The electric vehicle drive system includes a powertrain and a transmission system. The powertrain includes a first power output mechanism and a second power output mechanism. One end of the transmission system is connected to the first power output mechanism, and the other end is configured to be connected to an air-conditioner compressor. The second power output mechanism is configured to drive the electric vehicle to travel. The powertrain in the electric vehicle drive system can also drive the air-conditioner compressor when driving the electric vehicle, to reduce a quantity of components inside the electric vehicle, thereby reducing space occupancy and costs.