Power Transaxle Pump Radial Nesting for Compact Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing power transmitting apparatuses in vehicles with multiple driving sources face challenges in compact design due to the arrangement of lubrication oil pumps, which can interfere with the electric motor and increase the overall size when positioned on the opposite side of the internal combustion engine.
Innovation Solution
The power transmitting apparatus incorporates a pump driven by the internal combustion engine to pump lubrication oil, with the pump arranged radially inward of a bearing supporting the input shaft rotating member, allowing for a compact design by utilizing the space within the bearing's support structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the pump is arranged on the input shaft opposite side from the internal combustion engine, then the pump can be driven by engine power, but the electric motor and pump interfere with each other causing increased apparatus size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spatial arrangement by positioning the pump on the electric motor side rather than the engine side, and arranging it radially inward of the bearing. This dimensional repositioning in the radial direction allows the pump to be driven by engine power through the input shaft while avoiding interference with the electric motor, thus resolving the contradiction between power transmission and compact size.
2Ease of operation
If the pump is arranged radially outward of the bearing, then the pump can be easily accessed, but the apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by placing the pump radially inward of the bearing, effectively nesting the pump within the space already occupied by the bearing structure. This allows the pump to be housed in the annular space between the bearing inner race and the input shaft, maximizing space utilization and maintaining compact apparatus size while still allowing for reasonable accessibility.
3Volume of stationary object
If the pump is arranged on the electric motor side, then the apparatus size is reduced, but the pump must be driven through the input shaft
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by using the input shaft not only for its primary function of transmitting power between the engine and differential but also as a driving shaft for the pump. This allows the same component (input shaft) to serve multiple functions, reducing the need for additional dedicated drive mechanisms and thereby minimizing apparatus size while accepting the extended power transmission path.
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 arrangement enables the integration of a lubrication oil pump without increasing the size of the power transmitting apparatus, enhancing compactness and reducing the overall length of the transaxle while maintaining efficient lubrication.
Implementation Method 1
an input shaft rotating member which is provided on the opposite end of the input shaft from the internal combustion engine and transmits at least one of the power of the input shaft or the power of the electric motor shaft to a drive shaft of the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
a pump that is driven by power from the internal combustion engine and pumps lubrication oil
Data Source
AI summary
A power transmitting apparatus is provided with an electric motor shaft that is connected to a rotor of an electric motor, an input shaft arranged parallel to the electric motor shaft and transmits power to and from an internal combustion engine positioned on one side in the axial direction, an input shaft rotating member provided on an end portion of the input shaft that is on the side opposite the internal combustion engine side and transmitting at least one of the power from the input shaft or the power from the electric motor shaft to a drive shaft of a vehicle, and a pump driven by the power from the internal combustion engine and pumps lubrication oil, and the electric motor is arranged on the opposite side of the input shaft rotating member from the internal combustion engine in the axial direction. The input shaft rotating member is rotatably supported by the case via a bearing, and at least part of the pump is arranged radially inward of the bearing.