Integrated Fluid Coupling in Electric Machine Rotor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional electric powertrains with separate torque converters and electric machines result in a larger and less efficient configuration, with heat dissipation being a limiting factor in torque capacity.
Innovation Solution
An electric machine with an integrated fluid coupling, where the fluid-coupling assembly is disposed within the rotor's hollow center, including a turbine fixedly coupled to the rotor and an impeller that selectively couples with the turbine, allowing for a compact and efficient powertrain design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional separate torque converters and electric machines are used, then torque capacity is achieved, but the overall size and volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the torque converter and electric machine into a single integrated assembly where the torque converter is disposed within the hollow center of the electric machine rotor. This merging of previously separate components achieves space savings while maintaining both torque multiplication and electric motor functions
Solution Approach 2:
The torque converter is nested within the hollow center of the electric machine rotor, allowing one component to be placed inside another. This nesting arrangement enables the torque converter to occupy the otherwise unused hollow space, reducing overall powertrain volume without interfering with the electric machine's operation
2Loss of energy
If traditional separate configurations are used, then torque conversion is achieved, but heat dissipation becomes a limiting factor
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated assembly merges the torque converter and electric machine, allowing shared cooling resources and more efficient heat management. The proximity of components enables better thermal coupling and reduced heat loss to the environment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a shared fluid coupling medium that serves as an intermediary for both torque transmission and heat transfer. This fluid medium facilitates efficient heat dissipation from both the torque converter and electric machine components simultaneously
3Device complexity
If traditional separate torque converters and electric machines are used, then functional requirements are met, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated assembly makes each component multi-functional. The electric machine serves both as a motor and provides structural housing for the torque converter, while the torque converter integrates both torque multiplication and fluid coupling functions. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed
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 integrated fluid coupling enables a more compact package with higher torque capacity and reduced heat generation, maintaining performance comparable to traditional configurations.
Implementation Method 1
an impeller configured to fluid couple with the turbine
Data Source
AI summary
A powertrain includes an electric machine including a rotor defining a hollow center and a fluid-coupling assembly at least partially disposed within the hollow center. The fluid-coupling assembly includes an input shaft, a turbine fixedly coupled to the rotor and having a hub configured to connect with a transmission input shaft, and an impeller configured to fluid couple with the turbine. The impeller is selectively coupled to the rotor and selectively coupled to the input shaft.