Vehicle Power Unit Structure with Overlapping Converter and Distributor
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing power unit configurations for vehicles, where the motor, electric power converter, and junction box are arranged in a row, result in a large power unit room in the up-down direction of the vehicle, leading to space inefficiencies and potential deformation issues during collisions.
Innovation Solution
The power unit structure optimizes space by positioning the electric power converter above the motor and the electric power distributor overlapping the converter in the up-down direction, with the distributor also supported by the vehicle body constituent members to reduce the overall height and width of the power unit room, and includes a water heating heater positioned to further minimize vertical space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the motor, electric power converter, and electric power distributor are arranged in a row in the up-down direction of the vehicle, then the electrical connections and power flow path are simplified, but the power unit room becomes large in the up-down direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional linear arrangement (motor-inverter-junction box in up-down direction) to a two-dimensional overlapping arrangement. The electric power distributor is positioned to overlap with the electric power converter when viewed from the front-rear or vehicle width direction, effectively utilizing horizontal space to reduce vertical dimension requirements while maintaining electrical connection simplicity.
2Length of stationary object
If the power unit components are arranged to minimize vertical space, then the power unit room height is reduced, but the stability of electric power distributor during vehicle vibrations may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The electric power distributor is integrated with the vehicle body constituent members (such as suspension towers or side members) through mounting parts. This merging of the distributor with the vehicle body structure provides stable support and positioning, ensuring vibration resistance while allowing the distributor to overlap with the converter in the horizontal plane to minimize vertical space requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A power unit structure for a vehicle includes a motor disposed in a power unit room of the vehicle and configured to transmit a driving force to drive wheels of the vehicle, an electric power converter disposed in the power unit room of the vehicle, and an electric power distributor disposed in the power unit room of the vehicle. The electric power converter is configured to convert supplied electric power into electric power to be supplied to the motor and is disposed on an upper side of the motor. The electric power distributor is configured to distribute electric power supplied from a power supply to the electric power converter and is disposed at a position where at least a part of the electric power distributor overlaps the electric power converter in an up-down direction of the vehicle when viewed from a vehicle front-rear direction or a vehicle width direction.