Motor Housing Flow Path Layout for Dual-Fluid Drive Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drive device cooling systems face challenges in efficiently cooling motors due to limitations in cooling flow path design, leading to reduced cooling efficiency and increased complexity, which affects assembly and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
The drive device incorporates a dual fluid flow path system where a first fluid is used for cooling the motor and a second fluid is used for lubrication, with the first fluid being supplied from the transmission housing to the motor housing through a unique flow path configuration that includes a supply flow path and a collection flow path, enhancing cooling efficiency and reducing the number of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a cooling flow path is provided in the housing to cool the motor, then the motor cooling function is achieved, but the cooling efficiency is insufficient and the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cooling flow path and lubrication flow path into a single integrated flow path structure. The first fluid (cooling fluid) and second fluid (lubrication fluid) share the same flow path channels in the housing, eliminating the need for separate cooling and lubrication systems. This reduces device complexity while maintaining effective motor cooling through the integrated fluid circulation that passes through the motor stator and housing channels.
2Reliability
If separate cooling and lubrication systems are used, then the functions are reliable, but the number of components increases and assembly becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functional flow path system where a single integrated structure performs both cooling and lubrication functions. The flow path is designed to accommodate two different fluids (cooling fluid and lubrication fluid) circulating through shared channels, allowing the housing to serve dual purposes. This reduces the number of components while maintaining reliable cooling and lubrication functions through proper fluid distribution and flow control.
3Temperature
If the collection flow path is located inside the motor housing, then the cooling is effective, but the weight of the drive device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the collection flow path from an internal motor housing location to an external location on the housing periphery. The collection flow path is arranged in the radial direction outside the motor, allowing cooled fluid to be collected and returned to the transmission housing without adding internal weight. This dimensional repositioning maintains cooling effectiveness by preserving the thermal coupling between the motor stator and cooling channels while reducing overall device weight.
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 improves cooling efficiency by allowing the motor to be cooled effectively using a dual fluid system, reducing the need for additional cooling components and simplifying assembly and maintenance, while maintaining the structural integrity and reducing the weight of the drive device.
Implementation Method 1
a first fluid is accommodated in the transmission housing. The housing includes a first flow path through which the first fluid flows... a supply flow path that supplies the first fluid in the transmission housing to the inside of the motor housing, and a collection flow path that extends from the inside of the motor housing to the inside of the transmission housing
Implementation Method 2
a first flow path through which the first fluid flows... supplies the first fluid in the transmission housing to the inside of the motor housing, and a collection flow path that extends from the inside of the motor housing to the inside of the transmission housing
Data Source
AI summary
A drive device includes a motor including a rotor rotatable about a central axis, a transmission connected to the motor, and a housing including a motor housing accommodating the motor and a transmission housing accommodating the transmission. A first fluid is accommodated in the transmission housing. The housing includes a first flow path through which the first fluid flows and a second flow path through which the second fluid flows. The first flow path includes a supply flow path that supplies the first fluid in the transmission housing to the inside of the motor housing, and a collection flow path that extends from the inside of the motor housing to the inside of the transmission housing. At least a portion of the second flow path is located radially outside the motor. At least a portion of the collection flow path is located radially outside the second flow path.