Auxiliary Drive Segmentation for Trailer Weight Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing auxiliary drives for vehicles, particularly trailers, are not optimally designed in terms of space requirements, weight, and controllability, limiting their performance and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The auxiliary drive features self-sufficient drive units with a support device that allows individual mounting on the outside of the chassis, utilizing multiple small, high-speed motors connected via a multi-stage gearbox for compactness and reduced weight, along with a wireless communication system for control and synchronization, and a modular design for easy installation and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a single large motor is used for the drive element, then sufficient power is achieved, but the device becomes heavier and less compact
Solution Approach 1:
The drive unit is segmented into multiple small motors (at least two) that collectively provide the required drive power. Each motor is connected to the drive element through a common gearbox, allowing the power to be distributed across multiple smaller, lighter motor units rather than requiring one large heavy motor.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple motor units are merged into a single integrated drive system through a common gearbox and transmission mechanism. The individual motor outputs are combined mechanically to drive the single drive element, achieving both power aggregation and spatial compactness.
2Power
If a single large motor is used, then power requirements are met, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The drive system is segmented into modular components: multiple independent motor units, a shared gearbox, and common drive element. This segmentation allows for standardized, interchangeable modules that reduce overall system complexity despite the increased number of components.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple motors share common support structures, mounting interfaces, and control systems. The gearbox serves as a universal interface for all motor outputs, and the drive element can be controlled by any combination of the motors, providing functional redundancy and simplifying the control architecture.
3Volume of moving object
If motors are arranged in parallel, then compact design is achieved, but mounting space requirements change
Solution Approach 1:
The motors are arranged in a three-dimensional parallel configuration rather than a linear sequence. By utilizing vertical and lateral spacing, the motors occupy different spatial planes, reducing the horizontal mounting footprint while maintaining compact overall dimensions. The support device provides a multi-level mounting structure that accommodates this dimensional arrangement.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the auxiliary drive is designed for retrofitting, then versatility is improved, but mounting interface standardization becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The support device incorporates universal mounting interfaces that can accommodate multiple vehicle types and configurations. Standardized mounting patterns and adjustable positioning mechanisms allow the same drive unit design to be retrofitted onto different vehicle platforms while maintaining consistent manufacturing specifications for the mounting hardware.
Data Source
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AI summary
The auxiliary drive (2) has a drive unit (15) carried at a vehicle wheel (13) and supported at vehicle. An actuating device (20) has a control field for independent and simultaneous control of multiple drive units. The control field has multi-axial input or operation options, where the control field is designed as controlling device.