Integrated Swing Arm Casing for Electric Motor Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electric vehicles, the motor casing adds weight, consumes space, increases part count and assembly complexity, obstructs natural cooling, and necessitates forced cooling, which raises costs and assembly time.
Innovation Solution
A swing arm assembly that integrates a first casing for the transmission assembly and a second casing as an immediate housing for electric motor components, eliminating the need for a separate motor casing and allowing natural cooling, while acting as a load-bearing member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate motor casing is used to house electric motor components, then the motor components are protected from the external environment, but the vehicle weight increases by 1-1.5 kg
Solution Approach 1:
The motor casing is merged with the swing arm assembly to create a unified load-bearing structure. The swing arm assembly includes a first casing for transmission components and a second casing for motor components, which are integrated into a single structural unit that also functions as the swing arm, eliminating the need for a separate motor casing.
Solution Approach 2:
The swing arm assembly is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as the swing arm for suspension, as the housing for transmission components, as the housing for motor components, and as a load-bearing member. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated casings for each function.
2Reliability
If a separate motor casing is used, then motor components are protected, but the vehicle part count and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The motor casing is merged with the swing arm assembly to create a unified load-bearing structure. The swing arm assembly includes a first casing for transmission components and a second casing for motor components, which are integrated into a single structural unit that also functions as the swing arm, eliminating the need for a separate motor casing.
Solution Approach 2:
The swing arm assembly is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as the swing arm for suspension, as the housing for transmission components, as the housing for motor components, and as a load-bearing member. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated casings for each function.
3Volume of moving object
If the motor casing is placed inside the swing arm, then space is utilized, but natural cooling of the electric motor is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The second casing is designed with specific local features including openings and cooling fins at strategic locations to facilitate heat dissipation. The cooling fins increase the surface area for heat transfer, while openings allow air flow through the motor casing, creating localized cooling zones without compromising the integrated structure.
4Temperature
If forced cooling is implemented to compensate for obstructed natural cooling, then motor temperature is controlled, but part count and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The second casing is designed with specific local features including openings and cooling fins at strategic locations to facilitate heat dissipation. The cooling fins increase the surface area for heat transfer, while openings allow air flow through the motor casing, creating localized cooling zones without compromising the integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling fins and openings enable the motor casing to self-cool through natural convection and radiation without requiring external forced cooling systems. The structure serves its own cooling needs through passively integrated thermal management features.
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
Reduces part count, weight, and assembly complexity, enhances energy efficiency, and lowers manufacturing costs by facilitating natural cooling and eliminating the need for forced cooling mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
the placement of the motor casing inside the swing arm obstructs natural cooling of the electric motor
Implementation Method 2
natural cooling of the motor is effectively facilitated
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The present subject matter relates generally to a swing arm assembly (200) for a vehicle. The swing arm assembly (200) comprises a first casing (201) and a second casing (202). The first casing (201) is provided on a first side of the swing arm assembly (200). The first casing (201) is configured to receive a plurality of components of a transmission assembly. The second casing (202) is provided on a second side of the swing arm assembly (200). The second casing (202) includes an immediate housing for a plurality of components of an electric motor. The second casing (202) is configured to directly receive the plurality of components of the electric motor through an opening (203). The electric motor is a coverless electric motor.