Vehicle Drive Device Control Unit Positioning for Debris Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Control devices installed outside automatic transmissions are susceptible to damage from bouncing rocks, water adhesion, and overheating, which compromises their durability.
Innovation Solution
The control device is installed at either the front or rear side portion of the transmission device casing, reducing exposure to road debris and heat from the radiator, and utilizing a metal case for heat dissipation while a resin cover faces outward to protect against rocks and moisture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the control device is installed on the outside of the automatic transmission, then the need for a harness between the control device and the automatic transmission is eliminated and connecting work is facilitated, but the control device becomes susceptible to damage from bouncing rocks, water adhesion, and overheating
Solution Approach 1:
The control device is segmented into a control unit and a storage unit that can be installed separately. The control unit is positioned at the front side portion of the automatic transmission while the storage unit is positioned at the rear side portion, allowing each unit to be optimally positioned for its function while maintaining overall system reliability
Solution Approach 2:
A harness is introduced as an intermediary component to connect the control unit and storage unit when they are separated. This harness allows the control device to be installed outside the automatic transmission for ease of manufacturing while maintaining the electrical connectivity needed for reliable operation
2Area of stationary object
If the control device is installed at the underside portion of the casing, then installation space is utilized, but bouncing rocks and water from the road surface can reach the control device
Solution Approach 1:
The control device is repositioned from the underside (vertical dimension) to the front or rear side portions (horizontal dimension) of the automatic transmission. This dimensional change moves the control device out of the direct path of bouncing rocks and water spray while still utilizing available installation space on the transmission housing
3Temperature
If the control device is installed at the front side portion, then wind cooling is improved, but the control device may be exposed to more road debris
Solution Approach 1:
The front side portion of the automatic transmission is identified as having favorable local qualities for control device installation, specifically good airflow for cooling. The control unit is positioned at this location to take advantage of the natural wind cooling effect while the overall configuration minimizes exposure to road debris through strategic positioning
4Temperature
If the control device is installed at the rear side portion, then heat from the radiator is reduced, but installation space may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The control device is divided into two units that can be distributed to different locations. The storage unit is positioned at the rear side portion where heat exposure from the radiator is minimized, while the control unit can be positioned elsewhere to optimize installation space utilization
Solution Approach 2:
The rear side portion is utilized in the horizontal dimension to position the storage unit away from the radiator's heat source. This spatial arrangement reduces thermal exposure while the segmented design allows the control unit to be positioned in a location with adequate 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 effectively protects the control device from damage and overheating, enhancing its durability by reducing exposure to road debris and heat, while maintaining high installation accuracy and preventing moisture ingress.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a metal case for heat dissipation
Data Source
AI summary
A drive device for vehicles includes a transmission device including a transmission mechanism that changes a speed of inputted rotation of a drive source of a vehicle and outputs the rotation and that is provided on an axis of rotation orthogonal to a front-rear direction of the vehicle; and a casing that holds the transmission mechanism; and a control device that performs electronic control of the transmission device, at least a part of the control device being installed on an outside of the casing, and the control device is installed at either one of a front side portion and a rear side portion of the casing in the front-rear direction of the vehicle.