Vehicle Drive Unit Layout With Offset Gear and Split Module Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle drive devices face challenges in miniaturization due to separate housing of power drive units and voltage converters, leading to restricted space and compromised performance or increased component costs.
Innovation Solution
The power source module and inverter module are housed in a single chamber, with the inverter module positioned above the rotary electric machine and the power source module arranged laterally, utilizing an offset gear mechanism to optimize space utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the power drive unit and voltage converter are housed in separate housing chambers, then each component can be independently configured, but the overall device size increases and miniaturization is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power drive unit and voltage converter into a single integrated housing chamber, allowing both components to coexist in the same space. This merging approach enables shared structural support and common mounting interfaces, reducing the overall device volume while maintaining the functional independence of each component through internal spatial arrangement
2Volume of moving object
If the power drive unit is configured according to available housing space, then space utilization improves, but circuit performance requirements may not be met or expensive miniaturization components are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating distinct zones within the single housing chamber - the power drive unit occupies one region with its specific spatial and thermal requirements, while the voltage converter occupies another region with different requirements. This localized arrangement allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall space efficiency, avoiding the need for expensive miniaturization components
3Ease of manufacture
If both inverter module and power source module are arranged in the upper area, then component placement is simplified, but the device height increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional arrangement (both modules in the upper area) to a three-dimensional arrangement by placing the inverter module in the upper area and the power source module in the lateral area. This dimensional change allows both components to be accommodated within the same vertical envelope, reducing device height while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through clear spatial separation
Data Source
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AI summary
An offset gear mechanism (3) in a power transmission mechanism is arranged on a different axis (A2) in an axis-orthogonal direction (Y) from an axis (A1) on which a rotary electric machine (8) and an output member are arranged. The rotary electric machine (8) and the power transmission mechanism are arranged in a first housing chamber (E1), and an inverter module (5) and a power source module (7) are arranged in a second housing chamber (E2). The second housing chamber (E2) includes an upper area (E3) on an upper side (Z1) overlapping the rotary electric machine (8), and a lateral area (E4) on the axis-orthogonal direction first side (Y1) overlapping the offset gear mechanism (3). At least a part of the inverter module (5) is arranged in the upper area (E3), and at least a part of the power source module (7) is arranged in the lateral area (E4).