Axle Shaft Disconnect Assembly for Flat Towing Readiness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for disconnecting axle shafts from the drivetrain during flat towing are cumbersome, as they require complete removal and storage of the axle shafts, which is inconvenient and laborious.
Innovation Solution
A disengageable axle assembly that includes an axle shaft with a radial nub and a shaft guide with an inner radial groove, allowing the axle shaft to be disconnected from the wheel hub by axially translating the shaft to engage the radial nub with the groove, while remaining partially installed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If axle shafts are completely removed from the vehicle to disconnect wheels from the powertrain during flat towing, then the wheels can spin independently without driving the transmission or electric motor, but the process becomes cumbersome and inconvenient requiring full removal and storage of the axle shafts
Solution Approach 1:
The axle shaft is divided into two functional segments: a removable outer segment that disconnects from the wheel hub, and a retained inner segment that remains supported by the transmission housing. This segmentation allows the wheel-to-powertrain connection to be broken while the axle shaft itself remains partially installed, eliminating the need for complete removal and storage.
Solution Approach 2:
A support structure integrated into the transmission housing serves as an intermediary element that receives and supports the axle shaft when disconnected from the wheel hub. This intermediary component enables the axle shaft to be held in a suspended state, bridging the gap between complete installation and complete removal, thereby simplifying the disconnect operation.
2Productivity
If axle shafts remain installed during flat towing to maintain vehicle readiness, then the vehicle can quickly resume driving, but the wheels will drive rotation of the transmission and electric motor causing overheating and component degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The axle shaft connection system is made dynamic, allowing it to switch between two states: connected to the wheel hub during normal driving operations, and disconnected during flat towing. This dynamic capability enables the system to adapt to different operational requirements, maintaining readiness to drive while preventing harmful rotation during towing through a simple positional change rather than a permanent configuration.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the wheels to spin freely during towing without driving rotation of the transmission or electric motor, maintaining the axle shaft's position and alignment, and avoiding the need for full removal and storage of the axle shafts.
Implementation Method 1
the shaft guide may be formed of a material that is more flexible and clastic than the axle shaft, allowing the shaft guide to flex and deform
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for drivetrain of a vehicle. In one example, the drivetrain includes an axle shaft with a radial nub and a shaft guide surrounding the axle shaft. The shaft guide may have an inner radial groove configured to have an interference fit with the radial nub. When the axle shaft is axially translated along an axial direction to engage the radial nub with the inner radial groove of the shaft guide, the axle shaft may be disconnected from a wheel hub of the vehicle.