Hybrid Vehicle Engine Compartment Asymmetric Layout

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional hybrid vehicles do not consider the optimal positional relationship between devices in the engine compartment and the energy source supply portion, leading to inefficiencies and potential heat-related issues with components like charging plugs.

Innovation Solution

The vehicle design includes an internal combustion engine, a drive source powered by a different energy type, and an energy storage portion, with the energy source supply portion strategically positioned to minimize heat transfer and optimize component placement, using a battery for energy storage and rotating electric machines for power transmission, and incorporating inverters and conversion devices to manage energy flow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the internal combustion engine is positioned in the engine compartment without considering spatial optimization, then the engine can be installed, but the positional relationship with the energy source supply portion is not optimized leading to heat-related issues and inefficiencies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent reliabilityVSAvoidheat transfer to components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The internal combustion engine is positioned asymmetrically closer to one side surface of the engine compartment rather than centrally, creating an optimized spatial relationship with the energy source supply portion. This asymmetric arrangement reduces heat transfer to sensitive components and improves overall system reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes the three-dimensional spatial arrangement of the engine and energy source supply portion within the engine compartment. By carefully positioning the engine closer to one side surface and strategically placing the energy source supply portion, the patent creates optimal heat management in multiple spatial dimensions, reducing thermal interference while maintaining compact packaging.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of manufacture

If the energy source supply portion is positioned without spatial optimization, then it can be installed, but heat transfer from the engine may damage components and reduce efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent installationVSAvoidheat damage to components

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The energy source supply portion is positioned asymmetrically within the engine compartment, away from the direct thermal path of the internal combustion engine. This asymmetric placement simplifies installation while protecting components from heat damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces thermal management structures as intermediaries between the internal combustion engine and the energy source supply portion. These intermediary elements (such as heat shields or thermal barriers) block direct heat transfer while allowing the components to remain in their optimal installation positions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If the engine is positioned closer to one side surface, then spatial optimization is achieved, but the arrangement complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy transfer efficiencyVSAvoidcomponent arrangement

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs asymmetric positioning of the internal combustion engine closer to one side surface of the engine compartment. This asymmetric arrangement optimizes energy transfer efficiency and heat management while maintaining a relatively simple overall layout that does not significantly increase assembly complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

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 configuration enhances the efficiency of energy transfer, reduces heat-related damage to components, and improves the overall performance and reliability of the hybrid vehicle by strategically arranging energy supply and storage components.

Implementation Method 1

the energy source storage portion is a battery capable of storing and discharging electric power

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical energy storage: Battery (electricity)

Implementation Method 2

the transmission accommodation case accommodates the rotating electric machine driven by electric power from the battery and driving wheels

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

an inverter case for accommodating an inverter for controlling drive of the rotating electric machine

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPower conversion:

Data Source

PatentUS9827971B2Vehicle with an energy source supply portion

Publication Date: 2017.11.28 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK

AI summary

A vehicle is a hybrid vehicle including an engine driven by fuel, and the vehicle includes a motor-generator driven by electric power and a charge plug to which a connector is removably connected, the charge plug being capable of at least one of being supplied with electric power from the connector and supplying electric power to the connector. An engine is arranged to be offset toward one side surface and the charge plug is provided in the other side surface.