Four-Wheel Drive Power Transmission Layout for ATV Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The power transmission mechanism in existing four-wheel drive vehicles, particularly in multi-purpose vehicles like ATVs and UTVs, faces issues with noise and reduced transmission efficiency due to the inclined universal joint in the front wheel power transmission shaft, and the integration of engine and transmission leads to poor versatility and increased manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A power transmission device with a prime mover and transmission separated to allow a general-purpose prime mover, positioning the prime mover low to lower the vehicle's center of gravity and improve stability, and using a front wheel power transmission shaft that passes through the space beneath the prime mover, reducing noise and enhancing efficiency by simplifying the drive layout and using a cylindrical shaft coupling for improved power transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If the front wheel power transmission shaft detours around the engine with an inclined universal joint, then the power can be transmitted to the front wheel differential mechanism, but noise increases and transmission efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spatial arrangement by passing the front wheel power transmission shaft through the space beneath the engine along the longitudinal direction, transitioning from a detoured path with inclination to a straight path aligned with the vehicle's longitudinal axis. This dimensional repositioning eliminates universal joint inclination and reduces noise while improving transmission efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the transmission shaft detour around the engine from the side, the patent inverts the approach by routing the shaft through the space beneath the engine. This inverted routing path achieves a more direct power transmission route, eliminating the need for inclined universal joints
2Device complexity
If the engine and transmission are integrated in a dedicated power unit, then the power transmission can be simplified, but versatility decreases and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power transmission system into separate components: the transmission is positioned behind the engine with the drive shaft extending through the engine space, allowing the engine and transmission to be independently selected and configured. This segmentation enables versatility while maintaining simplified power transmission
Solution Approach 2:
By separating the engine and transmission into independently configurable components and using a transmission shaft that passes through the engine space, the system achieves multi-functionality. The same transmission design can accommodate different engine types and configurations, enhancing versatility without increasing complexity
3Stability of the object's composition
If the prime mover is positioned at a low position, then the center of gravity is lowered and stability improves, but the drive layout becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the vertical space beneath the engine by routing the front wheel power transmission shaft through this space along the longitudinal direction. This three-dimensional arrangement allows the engine to be positioned low for stability while maintaining a direct power transmission path, avoiding increased layout complexity
Data Source
AI summary
[Technical problem] To provide a power transmission mechanism for a four-wheel drive vehicle in which a prime mover is disposed at a low position to lower the center of gravity of the vehicle while a driving path from a transmission to a front wheel differential mechanism is also shortened. [Solutions] In a power transmission mechanism for a four-wheel drive vehicle, the power of a prime mover is transmitted to a front wheel differential mechanism which is disposed in front of the prime mover, and to a rear wheel differential mechanism which is disposed behind a transmission, through the transmission which is disposed behind the prime mover. The transmission comprises a front and rear wheel drive shaft that extends along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body. The transmission is arranged separately from the prime mover and a rear axle drive device. The rear end portion of the front and rear wheel drive shaft is connected to an input shaft of the rear wheel differential mechanism. The front end portion of the front and rear wheel drive shaft is connected to an input shaft of the front wheel differential mechanism via a front wheel power transmission shaft that extends along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body and passes through the space beneath the prime mover. The front wheel differential mechanism, the prime mover, the transmission, and the rear wheel differential mechanism are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body at the center of the vehicle width of the vehicle.