Hybrid Drive Module Integrated Flange for Compact Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hybrid drive modules for motor vehicle drive trains are not flexible and easy to assemble, often requiring external coolant lines and complex installation processes, which complicates integration with different internal combustion engines and transmissions.

Innovation Solution

A hybrid drive module design featuring a housing part with integrated coolant and power connections, a flange for the heat exchanger, and partially integrated coolant lines, allowing for a compact, simple, and flexible assembly that eliminates the need for external coolant lines and enhances space utilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If external coolant lines are used to connect the heat exchanger, then the heat exchanger can be connected to the coolant system, but the assembly complexity increases and installation space is consumed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoolant connection reliabilityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the heat exchanger mounting function and coolant connection function into a single integrated flange structure. The flange includes both mounting holes for securing the heat exchanger and integrated coolant passages that directly connect to the housing part's coolant system, eliminating the need for separate external coolant lines and reducing assembly complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The flange structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical mounting for the heat exchanger, establishes coolant flow paths through integrated passages, and connects to the housing part's coolant system. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the overall assembly.

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

2Reliability

If external coolant lines are used, then coolant flow can be established, but installation space is consumed and compactness is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoolant flow capabilityVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The coolant passages are nested within the flange structure itself, with the cooling channels formed as cavities or boreholes inside the flange material. This nesting approach allows the coolant flow path to be contained within the existing structural component rather than requiring separate external lines, achieving compact integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a unified module design is implemented, then adaptability to different engines and transmissions is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different enginesVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The hybrid drive module is designed as a universal platform that can be adapted to different internal combustion engines and transmission types. The standardized housing part, flange configuration, and coolant system design allow the same module to interface with various powertrain configurations, improving versatility while maintaining manageable manufacturing complexity through standardization.

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

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

The solution enables a space-saving, economical, and versatile hybrid drive module that can be easily combined with various internal combustion engines and transmissions, providing a uniform connection concept and improved protection of power lines against environmental influences.

Implementation Method 1

a heat exchanger arranged on the housing part which is provided to transfer heat energy from a first cooling medium to a second cooling medium

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Heat Exchanger

Data Source

PatentEP3443645B1Hybrid drive module for a motor vehicle drivetrain
Publication Date: 2020.03.11 MERCEDES BENZ GROUP AG
  • EP3443645B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3443645B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3443645B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a hybrid drive module (10) for a motor vehicle drivetrain, having at least one housing part (11) for accommodating at least one electric motor (12), having at least one inverter (13) which is arranged on the housing part (11) and which is provided as a voltage converter for the electric motor (12), having a heat exchanger (14) which is arranged on the housing part (11) and which is provided for transferring heat energy from a first cooling medium to a second cooling medium, and having at least one coolant system which is at least partially integrated into the housing part (11) and which has at least one coolant port (15) for the connection of a coolant line, wherein the hybrid drive module (10) has a first side (16), on which the inverter (13) is arranged, a second side (17), on which the at least one coolant port (15) is arranged, and a third side (18), on which the heat exchanger (14) is arranged.