Nested Dual-Motor Drive Block for Compact EV Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
The development of electric motor vehicle drive systems with two independent electric machines poses challenges in terms of installation space, particularly in compact vehicles, while also requiring reliable and safe drive solutions with integrated safety features.
Innovation Solution
A drive block configuration where two electric machines, each with its own gearbox, are arranged in a nested manner to form a compact block, allowing for efficient use of space and integration of safety features like parking locks, with the electric machines and gearboxes positioned to align with the dimensions of internal combustion engines, enabling transverse installation and efficient torque distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If two electric machines are arranged in a nested configuration to form a compact drive block, then the installation space is reduced and space utilization is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by arranging the second electric machine partially within the spatial envelope of the first electric machine, and positioning the gearboxes such that they overlap in the longitudinal direction. This nested configuration allows both electric machines and their associated gearboxes to occupy a compact drive block volume, reducing the overall installation space required while maintaining independent functionality of each wheel drive system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges two separate electric machine-gearbox systems into a single integrated drive block. The gearboxes are positioned to overlap in the longitudinal direction, and the output shafts are arranged in an offset V-configuration, combining what would traditionally be separate assemblies into one unified structure that reduces installation space while preserving the independence of each wheel drive system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the electric machines are arranged to align with internal combustion engine dimensions for transverse installation, then the adaptability to existing vehicle platforms is improved, but the design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the drive block with dimensions and mounting characteristics that enable it to replace internal combustion engines in vehicles with transverse engine installation. The compact V-shaped arrangement of output shafts and the overall footprint are configured to match standard engine bay dimensions, allowing the electric drive system to serve as a universal replacement across different vehicle platforms while maintaining the ability to provide independent wheel drive functionality.
3Volume of moving object
If a compact drive block configuration is used, then the space efficiency is improved, but the ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the drive system into two independent electric machine-gearbox units that are manufactured separately and then assembled into the final drive block configuration. This segmentation allows each electric machine and its associated gearbox to be produced using standard manufacturing processes, while the final assembly achieves the compact nested arrangement. The modular approach maintains ease of manufacture for individual components while achieving space efficiency in the integrated system.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a drive block 1XIII of an electric motor-driven motor vehicle drive, said drive block advantageously offering two wheel drives (131). Each of the two wheel drives (131) can be driven by a dedicated electric machine, i.e. by a first electric machine 3V and by a second electric machine. The drive block (12) comprises additional components, such as an inverter block (109) and, if necessary, a parking brake device (121) for example. The devices can be arranged on different sides of a structural plane defined by the rotation centers of the electric machines 3V.