Axle Assembly With Dual Planetary Torque Vectoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing torque-vectoring differentials (TVDs) are susceptible to improvements in effectively managing torque distribution across axle shafts to correct understeer or oversteer in vehicles, as they often rely on complex mechanisms that can be inefficient and bulky.
Innovation Solution
The axle assembly incorporates a dual planetary gear set with a differential assembly, where the first and second planetary gear sets are co-axially mounted with the differential assembly, allowing for equal but oppositely directed torque application to the output members, enabling efficient torque vectoring and compact design through a favorable gear ratio.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional torque-vectoring differentials are used to correct understeer or oversteer, then vehicle handling is improved, but the mechanism becomes complex and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the torque-vectoring function with the differential mechanism into a single integrated assembly. The torque-vectoring differential merges the functions of torque distribution and torque vectoring, eliminating the need for separate complex mechanisms while maintaining improved vehicle handling characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The differential mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it distributes torque between drive wheels and vectors torque to correct understeer or oversteer. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by consolidating what would otherwise require separate components.
2Ease of operation
If conventional torque-vectoring differentials are used to correct understeer or oversteer, then vehicle handling is improved, but the mechanism becomes bulky
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the torque-vectoring mechanism with the differential assembly, the patent eliminates the need for separate bulky components. The integrated design reduces the overall volume occupied by the torque-vectoring system while maintaining its handling correction capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The torque-vectoring mechanism is nested within the differential assembly structure. Components are arranged concentrically and integrated into each other, allowing the torque-vectoring function to be housed within the existing differential volume rather than requiring additional space.
3Ease of operation
If torque distribution is increased to improve turning behavior, then handling is improved, but the gear mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The gear mechanism is segmented into distinct functional modules: a first planetary gear set for torque distribution and a second planetary gear set for torque vectoring. This segmentation allows each subsystem to be optimized independently while maintaining overall simplicity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dual planetary gear set arrangement with different rotational axes. The first planetary gear set operates on one axis for torque distribution, while the second operates on a different axis for torque vectoring, adding a dimensional aspect that simplifies the overall mechanical complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
An axle assembly with an input member, a first planetary gear set, a differential assembly, and a second planetary gear set. The first planetary gear set has a first transmission input that is driven by the input member. The differential assembly has a differential carrier and first and second differential output members received in the differential carrier. The second planetary gear set has a planet carrier coupled to the differential carrier for common rotation. A sun gear of the first planetary gear set is non-rotatably coupled to a sun gear of the second planetary gear set.