Hybrid Drive Axial Length Reduction via Radial Component Stacking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hybrid drive systems have a large axial dimension due to the arrangement of the power distributing apparatus and output gear, which restricts the positioning of downstream structures and increases the overall system length.
Innovation Solution
The power distributing apparatus is arranged overlapping with the output member on its radially inner side, and the output gear is integrated onto the outer peripheral surface of the output member, allowing both to occupy the space previously used by the output member, thereby reducing the axial length. Additionally, the output bearing is positioned radially inwardly to support the output member, providing increased freedom in positioning the output gear and downstream structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the power distributing apparatus and output gear are arranged lined up at predetermined intervals in different positions in the axial direction, then the structures can be easily positioned, but the overall system dimensions in the axial direction increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power distributing apparatus and output gear into the same radial plane, eliminating the need for axial spacing between these components. The power distributing apparatus is arranged on the radially inner side of the output member, while the output gear is arranged on the radially outer side, allowing both to occupy the same axial space and thereby reducing the overall axial dimension of the hybrid drive system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional axial arrangement to a two-dimensional radial arrangement. By positioning the power distributing apparatus and output gear at different radial positions (inner and outer sides) rather than different axial positions, the system achieves compact axial dimensions while maintaining proper component spacing and functionality.
2Length of moving object
If the output bearing is arranged contacting the outer peripheral surface of the sleeve-shaped member, then the output bearing diameter can be reduced, but the position freedom of the output gear in the axial direction is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the positioning constraint by moving the output gear arrangement to the radial direction. The output gear is arranged on the radially outer side of the output member, which allows the output bearing to maintain its compact diameter while the output gear's axial position is no longer constrained by the bearing location, thus restoring position freedom in the axial direction.
3Reliability
If the power distributing apparatus and output gear occupy different axial positions, then each component can be properly supported, but the overall system length in the axial direction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power distributing apparatus and output gear into the same axial space by arranging them at different radial positions. The power distributing apparatus occupies the radially inner region while the output gear occupies the radially outer region, allowing both components to be properly supported and function reliably without extending the axial length of the system.
Data Source
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AI summary
A hybrid drive system includes an input member, a rotating electric machine, a power distributing apparatus that distributes and transmits torque that is transmitted to the input member to the rotating electric machine and an output member, an output gear capable of outputting torque transmitted to the output member, and an output bearing that is rotatably supports the output member from the radially inner side. The entire apparatus is arranged overlapping with the output member at a position in an axial direction on the radially inner side of the output member, and a ring gear of the apparatus is integrally provided with the output member, on an inner peripheral surface of the output member. The output gear is integrally provided with the output member, on an outer peripheral surface of the output member. The output bearing and the output gear are arranged overlapping at a position in the axial direction.