Integrated Cooling Unit for Electric Motor and Inverter Weight Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric vehicles face increased costs, space occupancy, and weight due to separately fabricated and installed cooling units for electric motors and inverter devices, leading to higher power consumption and reduced traveling distances.
Innovation Solution
An integrated cooling unit is placed between the stator and inverter device in the electric motor, utilizing a cooling fluid to cool both components simultaneously, reducing the need for multiple cooling units and optimizing space and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate cooling units are fabricated and installed for the electric motor and inverter device, then each component can be cooled effectively, but the manufacturing cost, installation complexity, and occupancy space increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cooling functions for the electric motor and inverter device into a single integrated cooling unit. This unit includes a cooling fluid circulation system with a pump, radiator, and fluid passages that serve both components simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate cooling systems and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling unit is designed as a multi-functional system that performs cooling for both the electric motor and inverter device through a unified structure. The circulation system distributes cooling fluid to multiple components, making the cooling unit universal in its application and reducing the total number of cooling units required
2Reliability
If separate cooling units are installed for the electric motor and inverter device, then adequate cooling is provided, but the occupancy space and weight of the vehicle increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple cooling functions into a single cooling unit, eliminating redundant components such as duplicate pumps, radiators, and fluid passages. This integration significantly reduces the overall weight of the cooling system while maintaining adequate cooling performance for both the electric motor and inverter device
3Reliability
If separate cooling units are installed for the electric motor and inverter device, then each component is cooled independently, but the installation space and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the cooling functions for the electric motor and inverter device into a single compact cooling unit with shared fluid passages and cooling components. This consolidation reduces the total installation space required while ensuring both components receive adequate cooling through the unified system
4Reliability
If increased cooling system weight is accepted, then adequate cooling is provided, but battery power consumption increases and traveling distance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines cooling functions into a single lightweight unit, reducing the overall weight of the cooling system. This weight reduction decreases the energy burden on the battery, thereby reducing power consumption and increasing the vehicle's traveling distance while maintaining adequate cooling performance
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 reduces the weight and volume of the cooling system, decreases battery power consumption, and increases the vehicle's traveling distance by consolidating cooling for both the stator and inverter device within a single unit.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling unit including a cooling fluid and disposed between the stator and the inverter device to cool the stator and the inverter device
Implementation Method 2
a cooling fluid accommodation space formed within the body to temporarily accommodate a cooling fluid
Data Source
AI summary
An electric motor includes a stator, a rotor disposed to be rotatable with respect to the stator, and a cooling unit including a cooling fluid and disposed between the stator and the inverter device to cool the stator and the inverter device. Weight can be reduced, and thus, power consumption of a battery can be reduced and a traveling distance of the vehicle can be increased.