Saddle-Type Electric Vehicle Motor Control Unit Layout
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing layout of electric motors and control units in saddle-type electric vehicles results in a lengthy powertrain system, increasing the wheelbase and decreasing the rear arm length, which affects the vehicle's driveability, and poses challenges in securing space for the control unit between the electric motor and battery.
Innovation Solution
A compact longitudinal layout is achieved by positioning the electric motor below the battery with its rotary shaft in the lateral direction, and the motor control unit is placed below the battery and in front of the electric motor, with an accommodating portion that reduces the vertical height, allowing for a more compact arrangement and increased rigidity of the vehicle body frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the control unit is disposed downward of the battery and rearward of the electric motor, then the control unit can be accommodated in the limited vertical space, but the portion for accommodating the control unit becomes long in the front-rear direction and overhangs rearward, increasing the wheelbase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the arrangement dimension of the control unit from the front-rear direction to the lateral direction by positioning it laterally of the electric motor. This dimensional shift allows the control unit to be accommodated without extending the front-rear length of the powertrain system, thereby avoiding wheelbase increase while still fitting within the limited vertical space constraints.
2Device complexity
If the control unit is disposed rearward of the electric motor, then the layout can be simplified, but the distance from the powertrain system device to the rear wheel decreases, adversely affecting driveability
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of arranging the control unit in the front-rear direction (rearward of the motor), the patent positions it in the lateral direction. This maintains an adequate distance from the rear wheel in the front-rear axis, preserving the rear arm length and driveability characteristics, while simplifying the overall powertrain system layout through compact lateral packaging.
3Power
If the electric motor is positioned with a relatively large diameter to secure output, then the distance from ground to electric motor increases, making it difficult to secure space for the control unit between the electric motor and battery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the space constraint caused by the large-diameter electric motor by shifting the control unit arrangement from the vertical direction (between motor and battery) to the lateral direction (side of the motor). This allows the control unit to be positioned in previously unused lateral space, enabling adequate motor diameter for required output without compromising control unit accommodation.
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 enhances driveability by reducing the distance between the electric motor and output shaft, securing space for the control unit, and improving cooling performance while preventing mud and water accumulation, thus optimizing the vehicle's design and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor 21 that is disposed below the battery 30 such that a rotary shaft 21a of the electric motor 21 is arranged in a lateral direction, and is configured to drive a drive wheel
Implementation Method 2
The control unit includes an inverter, that converts direct current of the batteries into alternating current for driving the electric motor
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An electric motor (21) is disposed downward of a battery (30). A saddle-type vehicle (1) is provided with: a motor control unit (29) that receives electrical power from the battery (30) and supplies the electrical power of the battery (30) to the electric motor (21); and a case (28) that accommodates the motor control unit (29). The case (28) is positioned downward of the battery (30) and forward of the electric motor (21), and is provided in a posture in which the length in the front-rear direction of the accommodating portion (28) is less than the vertical height thereof in a side view of the vehicle body. Accordingly, it is possible to achieve a compact longitudinal layout of the electric motor (21) and the control unit (29) for controlling the electric motor (21).