Attachable 2WD Low Range Device for Tow Vehicle Maneuverability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tow vehicles face difficulties in maneuverability when operating in four-wheel drive low range mode, leading to issues like wheel hop and axle windup, especially when towing heavy loads, due to the lack of effective systems for switching to two-wheel drive low range mode without complex modifications.
Innovation Solution
An attachable device with an electronically controllable part-time four-wheel drive system that allows for selective operation in two-wheel drive low range mode by coupling to a selector and a controller-area network bus, using vehicle control codes to disconnect front wheels from the transfer case, thereby improving maneuverability while maintaining towing capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the tow vehicle operates in four-wheel drive low range mode, then towing capacity and traction are improved, but maneuverability deteriorates and wheel hop/axle windup occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between four-wheel drive and two-wheel drive modes based on operational conditions. The front axle disconnect mechanism allows the drivetrain configuration to change from engaged (4WD) to disengaged (2WD) state, enabling the vehicle to transition from high-traction mode suitable for towing to high-maneuverability mode for tight turns, thus resolving the contradiction between towing capacity and maneuverability
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the drivetrain configuration parameter by disconnecting the front axle from the transfer case. This parameter change allows the vehicle to switch from a four-wheel drive configuration with lower gear ratio (better for towing) to a two-wheel drive configuration that eliminates wheel hop and axle windup during low-speed tight turns, thereby improving maneuverability while maintaining towing capability when needed
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex modifications are made to vacuum lines for front axle disconnect control, then two-wheel drive low range operation becomes possible, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the complex mechanical vacuum line modification system with an electronic control system. The electronic front axle disconnect mechanism uses electrical signals and electronic controllers to manage the disconnect function, eliminating the need for complex vacuum line routing and mechanical linkages. This substitution maintains the ability to select between 2WD and 4WD low range modes while significantly reducing device complexity and easing installation
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic control system is designed to be universally compatible with various tow vehicle platforms. Rather than requiring custom vacuum line modifications for each vehicle type, the electronic system can be adapted to work with different makes and models through standardized electronic interfaces, making the system more versatile and easier to implement across multiple vehicle configurations
Data Source
AI summary
Removable devices and systems for operating the four wheel drive (4WD) system of a tow vehicle having an electronically controllable part time 4WD system including a selectable 4WD low range mode are described. The removable device may comprise a first interface for coupling the removable device to a selector, the selector providing an indication of a desired operating mode for the 4WD system; a second interface for coupling the removable device to a controller-area network bus of the tow vehicle; a memory storing vehicle control codes; and at least one controller communicatively coupled to both the first interface and the second interface. The removable device, and system, may allow a vehicle operator to operate the tow vehicle in two-wheel drive low range mode.