Vehicle Drive Unit Support Structure for Torque Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle unit arrangements lack a large support base, leading to significant weight and installation space inefficiencies, and fail to effectively absorb torque and vibrations.
Innovation Solution
A unit arrangement with a drive unit mounted via multiple fixed bearings, where the support structure engages the drive unit through two spaced fixed bearings and is articulated to the carrier element via a fourth fixed bearing, providing high rigidity and vibration damping while minimizing the support base size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a pendulum support is used to support the drive unit, then the drive unit can be supported with respect to the carrier element, but only a small support base can be implemented leading to large forces on the first fixed bearing and pendulum support
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into two separate rod links (first rod link and second rod link) that are spaced apart from each other. Each rod link connects to the drive unit at different locations (second fixed bearing and third fixed bearing), distributing the support function across multiple points rather than concentrating it at a single pendulum support location.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure transitions from a single-point pendulum support to a distributed multi-point support system. The two rod links are arranged in different spatial positions and orientations, creating a three-dimensional support configuration that increases the effective support base area while maintaining compact dimensions.
2Ease of manufacture
If the drive unit is mounted directly on the carrier element via fixed bearing, then the mounting is simple, but no torque can be absorbed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges two functions into a single integrated support structure: the simple mounting function of fixed bearings and the torque absorption function of a support structure. The rod links are designed to simultaneously provide positional support (like fixed bearings) and torque absorption through their articulated connections and spaced arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure with two rod links serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for the drive unit, absorbs torque in multiple directions, dampens vibrations, and maintains simple mounting through fixed bearings. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate components for each function.
3Force
If a support structure with two spaced fixed bearings is used, then torque can be absorbed, but the support base size increases leading to increased weight and installation space
Solution Approach 1:
The rod links are designed as slender, lightweight structural elements that provide high stiffness-to-weight ratio. The spaced arrangement of the two rod links creates effective torque absorption without requiring heavy, bulky support structures, achieving lightweight construction while maintaining structural integrity and torque absorption capability.
4Force
If a support structure with two spaced fixed bearings is used, then torque can be absorbed, but the support base size increases leading to increased installation space requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The two rod links are arranged in a compact configuration where they can be positioned close to each other in the vertical direction while maintaining horizontal spacing for torque absorption. This nested-like arrangement allows the support structure to fit within a compact installation envelope while still providing effective torque absorption through the spaced fixed bearings.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to an assembly (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising a drive unit (2) which is mounted directly on a support element (5) via at least one first fixed bearing (4). It is provided that a support structure (6) is connected to the drive unit (2) on one side via a second fixed bearing (7) and a third fixed bearing (8) spaced apart from the second fixed bearing (7), and on the other side is articulated to the support element (5) via a fourth fixed bearing (9).