Transmission Wet Space Layout for Electric Machine Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle transmission arrangements with internal combustion engines and electric machines face challenges in optimizing installation space, cooling, and lubrication due to the lack of a hydrodynamic torque converter and inefficient mounting of the electric machine.
Innovation Solution
A transmission arrangement where the electric machine is connected to a hydrodynamic torque converter via a gear set with a constant gear ratio, allowing the internal combustion engine to connect to the torque converter through a shift element, with all components housed in a common wet space for simplified cooling and lubrication, and the electric machine's rotor is mounted using a bearing shield on a central hub and transmission housing for space efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the electric machine is mounted exclusively via a support axle on the housing side, then the mounting is simplified, but considerable installation space is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the mounting function with the gear set structure. The rotor of the electric machine is mounted on the output shaft of the gear set, integrating the support function into the existing transmission structure rather than requiring a separate support axle, thereby reducing installation space while maintaining mounting simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The electric machine's rotor is nested within the transmission housing structure, specifically mounted on the gear set's output shaft. This nested arrangement allows the electric machine to occupy space within the existing transmission envelope rather than requiring additional external space
2Ease of manufacture
If the electric machine, gear set, shift element, and torque converter are arranged in separate areas, then each component can be optimized independently, but cooling and lubrication systems become complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges all power transmission components (electric machine, gear set, shift element, and torque converter) into a single common wet space area. This integration allows a single lubrication and cooling system to serve all components simultaneously, reducing system complexity while maintaining independent component design freedom
Solution Approach 2:
The common wet space area serves multiple functions: it provides a unified lubrication environment for all moving parts, acts as a common cooling zone, and facilitates heat dissipation for all components. This multi-functional space eliminates the need for separate lubrication and cooling systems for each component
3Reliability
If a hydrodynamic torque converter is added to the transmission arrangement, then smooth torque transmission is improved, but installation space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The torque converter is nested within the common wet space area alongside other components. By integrating it into the existing transmission envelope rather than adding it as a separate external unit, the patent achieves smooth torque conversion without proportionally increasing overall installation space
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 ensures smoothed drive torque, optimizes installation space, simplifies cooling and lubrication, and achieves a desired torque increase, while allowing for a compact and stable mounting of the electric machine, enhancing overall transmission efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The electric machine is operatively connected to a hydrodynamic torque converter by a gear set
Implementation Method 2
the rotor of the electric machine is supported at its output end, by a first bearing shield, on a central hub
Implementation Method 3
the electric machine, the gear set, the shift element, and the torque converter are arranged in a preferably common wet space area or oil space area
Data Source
AI summary
A motor vehicle transmission arrangement (21) may include a transmission housing (8), a transmission gearing (2), and a hydrodynamic torque converter (1) operatively connected to the transmission gearing (2). The arrangement (21) may further include a shift element (K0) and an internal combustion engine (VM) operatively connectable to the hydrodynamic torque converter (1) by the shift element (K0). Additionally, the arrangement (21) may include a gear set (6) having a constant gear ratio, and at least one electric machine (EM) as a drive, where the electric machine (EM) is operatively connected to the hydrodynamic torque converter (1) by the gear set (6). The electric machine (EM), the gear set (6), the shift element (K0), and the torque converter (1) are arranged in a wet space area (7) of the transmission housing (8). The gear set (6) is upstream from the shift element (K0) in the direction of power flow.