Vehicle Drive Rotor Support Layout for Reduced Axial Length
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing vehicle drive devices tend to increase in size in the axial direction due to the arrangement of flange portions supporting the rotor support member, which limits the compactness of the device.
Innovation Solution
A configuration where the first bearing is disposed on the first side in the axial direction with respect to the rotor and on the outer side in the radial direction with respect to the tubular support portion, eliminating the need for a flange portion and allowing the rotor support member to be supported directly by the bearing, thereby reducing the axial dimension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If flange portions are provided to extend radially inward from the rotor support member to support bearings, then the rotor support member can be stably supported, but the axial dimension of the vehicle drive device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates the bearing support function from the radial direction (flange portions extending radially inward) to the axial direction (flange portions extending axially outward). This dimensional change allows the bearings to be positioned at the axial ends of the rotor support member, eliminating the need for radial flange portions and thereby reducing the axial dimension of the overall device while maintaining stable support.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of extending flange portions radially inward to support bearings, the patent inverts the approach by extending flange portions axially outward from the rotor support member to support the bearings. This inverted configuration achieves the same support function while avoiding the axial space consumption of radial flange structures.
2Volume of moving object
If the vehicle drive device is designed with compact dimensions, then space efficiency is improved, but it becomes difficult to accommodate all necessary components including engagement devices and bearing support structures
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor support member is designed with dual functionality: it serves both as the support structure for the rotor and as the bearing support structure through its axially extending flange portions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate radial flange portions and bearing support structures, reducing overall device volume while accommodating all necessary components including engagement devices and bearings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the rotor support function and bearing support function into a single integrated structure (the rotor support member with axially extending flange portions). This consolidation eliminates redundant components and reduces the overall device volume while maintaining the ability to accommodate all necessary components.
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 effectively suppresses the increase in the axial dimension of the vehicle drive device, enhancing its compactness and reducing the need for additional space-consuming components.
Implementation Method 1
a first bearing that rotatably supports the rotor support member
Data Source
AI summary
A first inner support member that supports a first friction member of a first engagement device from an inner side in a radial direction includes a tubular support portion having a tubular shape extending along an axial direction and supporting the first friction member, and a radially extending support portion provided to extend to the inner side in the radial direction from the tubular support portion. The radially extending support portion is connected to the input member such that the input member and the first inner support member rotate integrally, and a first bearing that rotatably supports a rotor support member is disposed on a first side in the axial direction with respect to a rotor and is disposed on an outer side in the radial direction with respect to the tubular support portion.