Integrated Motor-Compressor Assembly for Hybrid Engine Start and Cooling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hybrid vehicles have increased component numbers, costs, and weight due to separate ISG motors and compressors, which hinder fuel efficiency and operational effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
An integrated system where a motor and compressor are housed together, sharing a common power source and refrigerant circuit to assist the engine and provide cooling, reducing the need for separate components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate ISG motor and compressor are provided, then engine starting and refrigerant compression functions are achieved, but component number increases, cost increases, and weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the ISG motor and compressor into a single integrated assembly where the motor housing serves as the compressor housing. The motor shaft is directly coupled to the compressor shaft, allowing one motor to perform both engine starting (ISG) and refrigerant compression functions. This merging eliminates separate components while maintaining both functions reliably
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated motor-compressor assembly provides multiple functions through a single component system. The motor serves dual purposes: acting as an ISG motor for engine starting and as a compressor driver for refrigerant compression. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count while achieving the same functional outcomes
2Reliability
If separate ISG motor and compressor are provided, then engine starting and refrigerant compression functions are achieved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the ISG motor and compressor into a single integrated assembly, reducing the total number of parts that need to be manufactured, inventoried, and assembled. This consolidation lowers manufacturing costs through economies of scale and reduced assembly complexity while maintaining both engine starting and refrigerant compression functions
3Reliability
If separate ISG motor and compressor are provided, then engine starting and refrigerant compression functions are achieved, but weight of power train increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the ISG motor and compressor into a single assembly where the motor housing doubles as the compressor housing. This merging eliminates the weight of separate mounting structures, brackets, and additional housings, thereby reducing the overall weight of the power train while maintaining both engine starting and refrigerant compression capabilities
4Use of energy by moving object
If engine is stopped, then fuel consumption is improved, but air cooling function cannot be provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous refrigerant compression operation by allowing the motor to drive the compressor independently of engine operation. When the engine is stopped, the motor can still operate the compressor to provide air cooling through the air conditioner system, ensuring continuous useful action for passenger comfort while maintaining fuel efficiency benefits of engine stopping
5Power
If motor unit generates heat, then power assistance function is achieved, but motor unit requires cooling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service cooling system where the refrigerant compression system cools the motor unit that drives it. The motor-compressor assembly uses the refrigerant circulation system to remove heat from the motor, allowing the system to self-regulate its thermal management without requiring external cooling components
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 integration improves fuel consumption, allows air cooling even when the engine is stopped, and efficiently cools the motor unit using the refrigerant, thereby reducing overall vehicle weight and operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
a motor unit (10) to transform electrical energy to mechanical energy
Implementation Method 2
a compression unit (20) to compress a refrigerant
Implementation Method 3
heat of a motor unit can be cooled using a refrigerant of a compression unit
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A vehicle having an integrated function of assisting an engine (1) and compressing a refrigerant includes a motor unit (10) and a compression unit (20) coupled within a housing (50), and a first clutch unit (30) coupled to a rotation shaft (16) of the motor unit (10) or a rotation shaft (16) of the compression unit (20) and that connects or releases a driving force of an engine (1) and a driving force of the motor unit (10).