Integrated Inverter Axle Layout for Space-Limited Work Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing work vehicles with separate left and right wheel drives face challenges in integrating an inverter with the axle driving apparatus due to limited space, leading to interference with other components and increased harnesses.
Innovation Solution
A compact inverter-integrated axle driving apparatus with an electric motor, featuring a motor case and inverter case design that allows for adjustable orientation and reduced thickness, minimizing interference with other components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the inverter is integrated with the axle driving apparatus, then the number of harnesses is reduced, but the inverter case requires a considerable volume that may interfere with other components
Solution Approach 1:
The inverter case is designed with a flattened, plate-like structure that extends in the radial direction rather than the axial direction. This dimensional reorientation allows the inverter to occupy space that would otherwise be unused, reducing overall vehicle space requirements while maintaining necessary circuit board areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The inverter case is nested within or adjacent to the motor case structure, utilizing the same mounting space. The inverter case attaches to the end surface of the motor case, effectively nesting two functional units within a compact arrangement that minimizes interference with other vehicle components.
2Volume of moving object
If the inverter case is made compact to fit limited space, then interference with other components is reduced, but the area for circuit board may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The inverter case adopts a plate-like structure with extended radial dimensions rather than increased axial thickness. This allows the circuit board to be positioned in a radial plane where sufficient area is available without increasing the overall axial footprint of the inverter assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The inverter case has non-uniform thickness distribution, with thicker regions providing structural support and circuit board mounting area, and thinner regions reducing overall volume. This localized variation in dimensions optimizes both space utilization and functional requirements.
3Volume of moving object
If the terminal end protrudes radially outwardly, then the inverter can be mounted in limited space, but the orientation must avoid facing the first and second axles
Solution Approach 1:
The inverter case has an asymmetric design with the terminal end protruding radially outwardly from one specific side of the motor case. This asymmetric configuration allows the inverter to be positioned in available space while the asymmetric mounting arrangement prevents interference with the axles by design rather than by constraint.
Data Source
AI summary
An axle driving apparatus with an electric motor is used in a work vehicle that travels by driving right and left wheels with a common electric motor. An axle case for accommodating an input shaft, a gear mechanism, a first axle, and a second axle has an input shaft support. An inverter case is mounted on an end surface of the motor case that is fixed to the input shaft support. The inverter case has a base end mounted on the end surface of the motor case and a terminal end which is on the opposite side with respect to the base end. The terminal end protrudes radially outwardly from the outer circumferential surface of the motor case in a direction not facing the first and second axles.