Sealed Electric Machine Connector for Coolant-Filled Enclosures
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
High-power reversible electric machines operating in alternator and motor modes, when coupled with a gearbox, face sealing challenges due to the liquid-filled enclosure and external electrical control module, leading to potential liquid leakage and contamination issues through electrical connections.
Innovation Solution
A connector element with internal and external seals, including an annular seal and shoulder configuration, is used to prevent liquid leakage from the enclosure while allowing electrical connections between the rotating electric machine and the external control module, ensuring effective sealing and preventing impurities from entering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the electrical control module is positioned outside the enclosure, then the electrical connection can be made, but sealing problems occur at the connection point
Solution Approach 1:
The connector element is nested within the opening of the enclosure, with the seal nested within the connector element. The seal is received by a groove in the connector element, creating a nested structure that maintains sealing while allowing electrical connection. This resolves the contradiction by integrating both functions within a hierarchical arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector element acts as an intermediary between the internal seal and the external electrical control module. It provides a structured interface that maintains the sealing function while enabling electrical connection, thus mediating between the conflicting requirements of sealing integrity and electrical accessibility.
2Reliability
If the connector element includes seals to prevent liquid leakage, then sealing reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector element merges multiple functions into a single component: it provides structural support for the seal, maintains the opening closure, and enables electrical connection. The seal groove is integrated directly into the connector element body, combining sealing and connection functions in one element, thus reducing overall complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector element serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it structures the opening, houses the seal, provides electrical connection points, and maintains the boundary between internal and external environments. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing complexity while achieving reliable sealing.
3Reliability
If the inner seal is crushed between the bearing face and shoulder, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The shoulder and bearing face are pre-configured during manufacturing to provide the correct crushing force and positioning for the seal. The geometric relationship between these features is established in advance, ensuring proper seal compression without requiring high-precision assembly operations. This preliminary configuration reduces manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining sealing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal compression force is controlled by the geometric parameters of the shoulder and bearing face rather than by precise assembly positioning. By designing the crushing mechanism through fixed geometric relationships, the system transforms positioning precision requirements into more manageable dimensional parameter controls during manufacturing.
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
The solution ensures reliable sealing and prevents liquid from escaping or entering the enclosure, maintaining the integrity of the electrical connection and preventing contamination, thus enhancing the operational reliability of the high-power reversible electric machine system.
Implementation Method 1
said connector element comprises an internal seal, in particular annular, forming said seal, said internal seal being arranged to prevent liquid from flowing from the inside of said enclosure to the outside of said enclosure through said opening
Implementation Method 2
said connector element comprises an outer seal capable of preventing liquid from flowing from outside said enclosure towards said connector element
Implementation Method 3
said connector element comprises a shoulder on which said internal seal rests so that said internal seal is crushed between said bearing face of said enclosure and said shoulder
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention primarily relates to an assembly, in particular for a hybrid vehicle, characterised in that said assembly comprises; an enclosure (46) for receiving a coolant liquid and having an opening (49) for bringing the inside of said enclosure (46) into communication with the outside of said enclosure (46), a rotary electric machine (10) arranged in said enclosure (46) able to be cooled by said coolant liquid, an electrical connector element (51) arranged to be electrically connected to said rotary electric machine (10), said connector element (51) being sealingly mounted in said opening (49) of said enclosure (46) in such a way that said connector element (51) participates in the sealing that prevents the liquid from flowing from the inside of said enclosure (46) to the outside of said enclosure (46) via said opening (49).