Work Vehicle Inverter Layout for Compact Packaging and Short Harnesses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric and hybrid work vehicles face challenges in compactly integrating inverters due to spatial constraints, necessitating a more efficient layout to simplify harnesses and improve maintainability.
Innovation Solution
The inverter is positioned between the battery and the operation section, extending in the up-down direction in a side view and left-right direction in a plan view, utilizing spaces between the battery and steering shaft or pillar frame, and located near the motor to shorten harnesses and improve cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the inverter is positioned between the battery and operation section, then the inverter can be compactly provided in the work vehicle, but the spatial arrangement becomes more constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The inverter is arranged in the front-back direction between the battery and operation section, utilizing the longitudinal space rather than only lateral or vertical dimensions. This dimensional approach allows compact integration without compromising other spatial requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The inverter is positioned within the spatial envelope defined by the battery and operation section, effectively nesting it in the available gap space. This nesting approach maximizes space utilization while maintaining accessibility and serviceability
2Length of moving object
If the inverter is positioned near the battery, then the harness length is shortened, but the installation space becomes more limited
Solution Approach 1:
The inverter is placed in the front-back dimension between the battery and operation section, allowing short harness connections while utilizing previously underutilized longitudinal space rather than competing for lateral or vertical installation area
3Volume of moving object
If the inverter extends in up-down direction and left-right direction, then it can closely follow the battery contour, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inverter extends in both vertical and lateral dimensions to match the battery's three-dimensional footprint, utilizing spatial volume efficiently. This multi-dimensional extension allows close integration without requiring complex internal reconfiguration
Solution Approach 2:
The inverter's extended configuration serves multiple functions: it maximizes proximity to the battery for compactness, maintains accessible installation positions, and provides stable structural mounting surfaces, eliminating the need for separate mounting mechanisms
4Area of stationary object
If the inverter is positioned between the battery and steering shaft, then space utilization is improved, but the accessibility for maintenance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The inverter is positioned in the front-back direction between the battery and steering shaft, utilizing space that would otherwise be unused. This preliminary spatial arrangement maintains clear access paths from the operation section to the inverter, ensuring maintenance accessibility is preserved
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 allows for a compact inverter layout, simplifies harnesses, enhances maintainability, and improves traveling stability by lowering the center of gravity.
Implementation Method 1
an inverter configured to operate the motor
Implementation Method 2
a battery; an inverter configured to operate the motor
Data Source
AI summary
A work vehicle includes a travel device, a battery, a motor configured to supply motive power to the travel device, an inverter configured to operate the motor, and an operation section. The battery is forward of the operation section, and the inverter is between the battery and the operation section in a side view.