Axle Drivetrain Shift Collar for Selective Torque Flow Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current drivetrain systems lack a flexible and efficient mechanism for coupling and decoupling components such as the electric motor module, gear reduction module, and auxiliary shaft to optimize torque transmission and power distribution in various vehicle configurations, limiting their adaptability and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The drivetrain system incorporates a shift collar mechanism that selectively couples and decouples the drive pinion, gear reduction module, and auxiliary shaft, allowing for different torque flow paths and configurations, including power take-off and hybrid modes, to enhance adaptability and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed coupling mechanism is used between the electric motor module, gear reduction module, and auxiliary shaft, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but the adaptability to different vehicle configurations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a shift collar that can be selectively positioned in different locations along the auxiliary shaft, enabling dynamic reconfiguration of the drivetrain system. This allows the same physical structure to adapt between series hybrid, parallel hybrid, and power take-off configurations without requiring multiple dedicated coupling mechanisms, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate coupling mechanisms are provided for different configurations, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shift collar serves multiple functions by being positionable at different locations: it can couple the auxiliary shaft to the drive pinion, to the gear reduction module, or to both simultaneously. This single multi-functional component replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate coupling mechanisms, achieving versatility while minimizing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple potential coupling mechanisms into a single shift collar component. By combining the coupling capabilities for different configurations into one integrated part, the system achieves the flexibility of multiple mechanisms without the complexity of having separate components for each configuration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the auxiliary shaft is permanently coupled to the drive pinion, then the torque transmission reliability is improved, but the ability to optimize power distribution in hybrid modes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The shift collar provides a dynamic coupling mechanism that can be selectively engaged or disengaged from different positions. When positioned to couple the auxiliary shaft to the drive pinion, reliable torque transmission is maintained; when repositioned to couple to the gear reduction module instead, the system can optimize power distribution for hybrid operations. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction between reliability and adaptability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A drivetrain system including an axle assembly that may have an electric motor module, a gear reduction module, a drive pinion, a differential assembly, an auxiliary shaft, and a shift collar. The shift collar may selectively couple the auxiliary shaft, the drive pinion, and the gear reduction module in various combinations.