Vehicle Power Unit Oil Filter Acute Angle Layout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle power units with internal combustion engines and electric power generators are bulky due to the protruding lubricant oil filter, which enlarges the crankcase and increases the overall size of the power unit.
Innovation Solution
The power unit design includes an oil filter with a tubular layered filter body that partly overlaps the electric power generator and is positioned between the generator and the crankshaft, with the filter mount axis forming an acute angle to the crankshaft axis, allowing for a compact layout and preventing the crankcase from bulging outward.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the lubricant oil filter is disposed outwardly of the outer periphery of the electric power generator, then the oil filter can be easily accessed for maintenance, but the crankcase becomes enlarged and the power unit increases in size
Solution Approach 1:
The oil filter is repositioned from a radial outward location to an axial location between the electric power generator and crank weight, utilizing the limited axial space along the crankshaft. This dimensional relocation allows the filter to be accessible while preventing crankcase enlargement, directly resolving the contradiction between maintenance accessibility and compact size.
2Volume of moving object
If the oil filter is positioned to overlap the electric power generator, then the power unit size is reduced, but the layout becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The oil filter is mounted at an acute angle relative to the crankshaft axis rather than symmetrically, creating an asymmetric layout that efficiently utilizes the irregular space between the generator and crank weight. This asymmetric positioning simplifies the overall arrangement by following the natural spatial configuration of existing components.
3Shape
If the oil filter is disposed between the electric power generator and crank weight, then the crankcase is prevented from bulging outwardly, but the oil filter may interfere with the generator structure
Solution Approach 1:
The oil filter is nested within the existing spatial envelope formed by the electric power generator and crank weight, utilizing the void space between these components. This nesting approach allows the filter to occupy unused volume without interfering with the structural integrity or operational clearance of the generator.
Data Source
AI summary
A power unit including an internal combustion engine has an electric power generator mounted on an end of a crankshaft, a power transmitting member mounted on the other end of the crankshaft, and a lubricant oil filter. The oil filter partly overlaps the electric power generator as viewed in the direction of a crankshaft axis, and is positioned between the electric power generator and a crank weight on the crankshaft with respect to the direction of the crankshaft axis. The oil filter has a filter mount axis forming an acute angle to the crankshaft axis. The engine crankcase is thus prevented from bulging outwardly, and the power unit is reduced in size in its entirety.