Integrated Rotating Electric Machine Gearbox Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Rotating electrical machines used in electric vehicles face limitations in achieving a large speed range without the need for external gearboxes, which are typically required to optimize performance and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

Integration of a gearbox unit and clutch unit within the rotating electrical machine, allowing for at least two different gear states with frictional coupling elements, enabling direct and decoupled rotary connections between the runner shaft and tray package, and utilizing a planetary gear for torque and speed translation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If an external gearbox is used to achieve a large speed range, then the speed range and top speed are improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeed rangeVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the gearbox unit directly into the rotating electrical machine by combining the runner shaft with the gearbox input shaft, merging two previously separate components into one integrated assembly. This eliminates the need for external gearboxes while achieving the desired speed range, thereby reducing device complexity and space requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The runner shaft is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the rotor of the rotating electrical machine and the input shaft of the gearbox. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve a large speed range without adding external components, resolving the contradiction between speed range improvement and device complexity reduction.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If a gearbox unit is integrated into the rotating electrical machine, then the need for external gearboxes is reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveflexibilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The gearbox is segmented into two distinct units: a planetary gear unit for torque and speed transformation, and a clutch unit for decoupling the runner shaft from the tray package. This segmentation allows each unit to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system flexibility, and the modular design facilitates easier manufacturing and assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The clutch unit provides dynamic coupling and decoupling capabilities, allowing the runner shaft to be selectively connected or disconnected from the tray package. This dynamic control enables the system to adapt to different operating conditions, achieving versatility while managing complexity through intelligent control rather than mechanical complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If frictional clutch elements are used for coupling, then seamless gear changes are achieved, but energy loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseamless gear changesVSAvoidenergy loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The frictional clutch elements enable continuous torque transmission during gear changes, ensuring seamless transitions between different gear states. The clutch maintains engagement throughout the switching process, preventing interruptions in the useful action of torque transmission and enabling smooth, continuous operation without energy loss from disengagement and re-engagement cycles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 allows for efficient speed and torque translation, reducing the need for external gearboxes, enhancing flexibility, and enabling high acceleration and top speeds with seamless gear changes, while maintaining reliability and simplicity in design.

Implementation Method 1

a planetary gear for torque and speed translation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPlanetary gear mechanism: Epicyclic Gearing

Implementation Method 2

the clutch unit provides a friction -friendly coupling element, for example on one of theThe front side of the runner's tile package couples this friction -controlled

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3453104B1Rotating electric machine
Publication Date: 2022.12.21 VALEO EAUTOMOTIVE GERMANY GMBH
  • EP3453104B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3453104B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3453104B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a rotating electric machine (10) comprising a stator (12) having a winding head (16) at each axial end and comprising a rotor (40), which is rotatably mounted in an opening in the stator (12) and which has a rotor shaft (24) and a laminated rotor core (26). According to the invention, the electric machine comprises a bearing unit (30) for the rotatable mounting of the rotor shaft (24) with respect to the laminated rotor core (26), a transmission unit (46), a coupling unit (42, 48), which is designed to provide at least two coupling states for coupling the rotation of the rotor shaft (26) to the laminated rotor core (26) and, in at least one of the coupling states, to couple the rotor shaft (24) to the laminated rotor core (26) by means of the transmission unit (46).