Power Electronics Module Integrated in Transmission Oil Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transmission designs with integrated electric machines and power electronics often compromise ground clearance and require complex structures to accommodate power electronics modules, leading to increased dimensions and costs.
Innovation Solution
The power electronics module is partially integrated within the transmission's oil space, using a carrier element with a cooling surface and a thermally conductive cooling body, forming a sealing plane and eliminating the need for additional housing components, while connections for coolant and power/data lines are kept outside the oil space to prevent fluid mixing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the power electronics module is accommodated in a separate cover structure or carrier element outside the oil space, then the power electronics are protected from oil contamination, but the ground clearance is reduced and the transmission dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power electronics module is nested within the transmission housing's oil space, with the cooling body partially immersed in the oil. This nesting approach allows the power electronics to be accommodated within the existing transmission envelope without requiring additional external space, thereby maintaining or improving ground clearance while protecting the power electronics through the oil-filled environment and sealing structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the power electronics module with the transmission housing by integrating the cooling body directly into the oil space. The cooling body serves dual functions as both a thermal management component and a space-efficient housing element, eliminating the need for separate carrier structures and reducing overall transmission dimensions.
2Length of stationary object
If the power electronics module is integrated within the oil space, then the transmission dimensions are reduced, but there is a risk of coolant leakage into the oil space
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling body is segmented into multiple functional zones: an oil-tight sealed section containing the power electronics module that is isolated from the main oil space, and a cooling section that interfaces with the oil for thermal management. This segmentation allows the power electronics to be protected from oil contamination while still benefiting from the compact integration within the transmission housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling body acts as an intermediary element between the power electronics module and the oil space. It provides thermal coupling to the oil for heat dissipation while maintaining oil-tight sealing to prevent fluid mixing. The intermediary structure enables both compact integration and fluid separation simultaneously.
3Reliability
If additional housing components and carrier elements are used to accommodate power electronics, then the power electronics are protected, but production costs and structural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling body is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously serves as a housing element, a thermal management device, and a sealing structure. This universal component eliminates the need for separate carrier elements and additional housing parts, thereby reducing structural complexity and production costs while maintaining power electronics protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines multiple functions (housing, cooling, sealing) into a single integrated cooling body structure. This merging of functions reduces the total number of components, simplifies the housing structure, and lowers production costs associated with manufacturing and assembling multiple separate parts.
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 allows for a more compact transmission design, reducing dimensions and weight, saving production costs, and preventing coolant leakage into the oil space, while enabling efficient heat dissipation and simplified routing.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling body (14), which is connected in a thermally conductive manner to the cooling surface of the at least one power switching element (13)
Data Source
AI summary
A transmission may include a housing and also a power electronics module, the power electronics module including a carrier element with at least one power switching element with a cooling surface and also a cooling body, which may be connected in a thermally conductive manner to the cooling surface of the at least one power switching element. The housing may have an oil space for at least partially accommodating transmission components. The power electronics module may be at least partially arranged inside the oil space of the transmission.