Vertical Electric Motor Orientation for Airflow Cooling in Vehicle Caravans
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electric vehicle designs with horizontally positioned electric propulsion motors face inefficiencies in thermal management due to blocked airflow paths, leading to reduced driving range and vehicle efficiency, and perceivable torque forces affecting suspension and passenger comfort in caravans of electric vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A caravan configuration with electric vehicles featuring a selectively movable electric propulsion motor oriented vertically, allowing for optimized airflow cooling and reduced torque perception through adjustable motor positioning and airflow control using a vehicle controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If electric propulsion motors are positioned horizontally in the same plane as drive wheels, then the motor mounting is simplified and torque is applied in the vertical plane, but airflow paths are blocked by suspension and chassis components reducing cooling efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the electric propulsion motor from a horizontal orientation in the same plane as the drive wheels to a vertical orientation above the drive axle. This dimensional change allows cooling air to flow directly over the motor from the front of the vehicle without being blocked by suspension and chassis components, thereby resolving the cooling efficiency problem while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through the direct airflow path.
2Ease of manufacture
If electric propulsion motors are positioned horizontally, then motor mounting is straightforward, but cooling air intake path is blocked necessitating other cooling systems
Solution Approach 1:
By moving the motor to a vertical position above the drive axle, the patent creates a direct airflow path from the front of the vehicle that bypasses the suspension and chassis components. This eliminates the need for complex alternative cooling systems such as liquid cooling circuits or forced air systems with ducts and fans, thereby reducing cooling system complexity while maintaining ease of manufacture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If motors are positioned horizontally with horizontal motor axes, then torque is applied vertically affecting suspension, but this configuration is conventional, whereas vertical motor orientation with airflow cooling provides synergistic benefits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent orients the motor axis vertically and positions the motor above the drive axle, creating a configuration where the motor's rotational plane is horizontal. This allows torque to be applied in a horizontal plane rather than vertically, reducing the impact on suspension components. Simultaneously, this orientation enables direct airflow cooling from the front of the vehicle, providing synergistic benefits for both torque management and thermal management without significantly increasing system complexity.
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
Enhances driving range and efficiency by improving airflow cooling and reducing perceivable torque forces, thereby improving the overall performance and comfort of electric vehicle caravans.
Implementation Method 1
the selectively movable electric propulsion motor configured for air cooling from an airflow received from a vehicle front of the electric vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle caravan comprising electric vehicles configured for coordinated movement and airflow control comprising: a lead vehicle and a chase vehicle, the lead vehicle disposed at the front of the caravan and the chase vehicle disposed behind the lead vehicle in a chase pattern. Each lead and chase vehicle comprising: a vehicle chassis and a front rotatable vehicle drive axle; a selectively movable electric propulsion motor comprising a rotatable motor shaft and a motor axis configured to be oriented in a substantially vertical direction; an air duct configured to direct an airflow to the propulsion motor; an airflow shutter in the front end of the air duct to selectively control the airflow within the air duct; and a vehicle controller; the caravan and the chase pattern configured for coordination of the motor position and the open/closed position of the lead vehicle and the chase vehicle shutters while the caravan is moving.