Vehicle Axle Drive Unit Three-Point Bearing for Compact Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drive devices for electrically operated vehicle axles require a rigid three-point bearing that is space-intensive and uses a lot of material, leading to installation space problems due to high package density in the chassis.
Innovation Solution
A drive device with a three-point bearing design that includes two gearbox-side unit bearings arranged on opposite sides of the vehicle's longitudinal direction to support torque, and a third unit bearing on the stator housing, allowing for reduced component and material requirements while maintaining stability through a rigid housing structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid three-point bearing is designed to sufficiently support reaction forces, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and installation space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The three-point bearing is segmented into exactly three unit bearings: two gearbox-side unit bearings arranged on opposite sides of the vehicle's longitudinal direction, and one stator housing-side unit bearing. This segmentation provides precise torque support in both rotation directions of the flange shafts while minimizing the number of components and installation space requirements.
2Reliability
If a rigid three-point bearing is designed to sufficiently support reaction forces, then reliability is improved, but material requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing structure is segmented into three discrete unit bearings rather than a continuous rigid structure. This allows material to be placed only where needed for torque support, reducing overall material consumption while maintaining sufficient support capability for reaction forces during driving.
Solution Approach 2:
The two gearbox-side unit bearings are positioned on opposite sides of the vehicle's longitudinal direction relative to the flange shaft axis, providing localized torque support exactly where needed. The stator housing-side unit bearing provides localized support for the electric machine, optimizing material distribution according to functional requirements.
3Device complexity
If the three-point bearing is designed with reduced component requirements, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The minimal three-unit bearing configuration is strategically segmented to provide complete torque support functionality. The two gearbox-side unit bearings on opposite sides handle torque in both rotation directions, while the stator housing-side unit bearing stabilizes the electric machine, together providing full support capability with reduced component count.
Solution Approach 2:
Each unit bearing performs multiple functions: the gearbox-side unit bearings provide both torque support and positional stabilization, while the stator housing-side unit bearing provides both electric machine support and reaction force management. This multi-functionality maintains reliability with fewer components.
4Area of stationary object
If the three-point bearing is designed with reduced installation space, then package density is improved, but support capability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The three unit bearings are segmented and positioned to maximize support efficiency within limited space. The two gearbox-side unit bearings are arranged on opposite sides of the longitudinal direction, and the stator housing-side unit bearing is positioned on the electric machine, creating a compact yet effective support configuration that fits within tight chassis package constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing arrangement utilizes the three-dimensional space efficiently by distributing unit bearings across different locations: two on the gearbox housing at opposite sides, and one on the stator housing. This spatial distribution provides comprehensive support capability within a compact installation footprint.
Data Source
AI summary
A drive device for an electrically operated vehicle axle of a two-track vehicle, with a drive unit in which an electric machine drives vehicle wheels via a gearbox. The electric machine is arranged transversely in the vehicle axle, and a stator housing of the electric machine is axially extended in the vehicle transverse direction with a gearbox housing. The drive unit is supported in a three-point bearing via three unit bearings in the vehicle body. The three-point bearing has two gearbox-side unit bearings via which the gearbox housing is supported in the vehicle body.