Vehicle Drive Unit Motor Offset Layout for Terminal Block Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In hybrid vehicles, the complex layout of devices in the engine compartment leads to potential damage of terminal blocks during collisions, as devices can come into contact with motor terminal blocks.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle drive unit design where the second electric motor is positioned on the rear side and upper side of the first motor, creating a predetermined space that houses the terminal blocks, preventing them from being damaged during collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If devices are arranged in a complicated manner in the engine compartment, then the layout problem is solved, but the terminal block may be damaged during collision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the terminal block in the up-down direction (vertical dimension) rather than only in the front-rear or left-right directions. Specifically, the terminal block is arranged above the first electric motor and in front of the second electric motor, utilizing the vertical space to create a protected zone that is not easily accessible during front collisions, thus resolving the contradiction between layout flexibility and terminal block protection.
2Ease of operation
If the terminal block is exposed in the engine compartment, then connection is simplified, but damage risk increases during collision
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal block is nested within the space formed by the electric motors and the inverter. Specifically, it is positioned above the first electric motor and in front of the second electric motor, effectively hiding it within the existing component arrangement. This nesting approach protects the terminal block from collision damage while maintaining simple connections through the harness system.
3Reliability
If the second electric motor is positioned on the rear side and upper side of the first motor, then a predetermined space is formed for protecting terminal blocks, but the layout becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The offset arrangement of the second electric motor relative to the first electric motor serves multiple functions: it creates the protected space for terminal blocks, optimizes space utilization in the engine compartment, and facilitates the routing of harnesses. This multi-functional design reduces the overall complexity despite the non-traditional positioning.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle drive unit includes an internal combustion engine (21), an electromotive unit (23) having a first electric motor (31) and a second electric motor (33), an inverter (27) disposed above the electromotive unit, a first harness (41) that electrically connects the inverter and a first terminal block (61) of the first electric motor, and a second harness (42) that electrically connects the inverter and a second terminal block (62) of the second electric motor. The first electric motor and the second electric motor are disposed in a vehicle front-rear direction. Of the first electric motor and the second electric motor, one electric motor is disposed on the front side in the front-rear direction, and the other electric motor is disposed on the rear side in the front-rear direction. The other electric motor is offset upward in the up-down direction with respect to the one electric motor. The electromotive unit has a predetermined space (A) formed: in a region above the one electric motor and in rear of the front end of the one electric motor; and in a region in front of the other motor and below the upper end of the other electric motor. The first terminal block and the second terminal block are located in the predetermined space.