Coaxial Drive and Steering System Torque Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle drive power and steering systems are not optimized for a coaxial configuration, leading to inefficiencies in torque transfer and limited directional control, particularly in navigating uneven terrain.
Innovation Solution
A coaxial mechanical drive power and steering system where a splined drive shaft is housed within a splined housing, with a differential gearbox transferring rotational torque to a drive axle, allowing for 360° rotation and directional control through a steering system integrated with the drive system, utilizing shock absorbers and a braking system for stability and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional separate drive power and steering systems are used, then the systems are simple to manufacture, but torque loss increases and directional control efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the drive power system and steering system into a single integrated coaxial unit. The drive shaft and steering column share the same central axis, with the steering column positioned inside the drive shaft. This merging eliminates separate mounting structures and reduces the number of torque transfer interfaces, thereby minimizing torque loss while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through modular assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering column is nested within the drive shaft, creating a compact coaxial arrangement where the steering mechanism is positioned inside the drive power component. This nesting reduces overall system volume and minimizes the distance between power source and steering actuation point, improving torque efficiency without significantly complicating the manufacturing process.
2Ease of operation
If conventional steering linkage is used, then the steering system is easy to manufacture, but directional control precision and maneuverability on uneven terrain are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The steering column is directly integrated with the drive shaft, allowing steering input to be transmitted more directly to the drive mechanism. This combined configuration improves directional control responsiveness and precision, particularly on uneven terrain, while the modular design keeps manufacturing complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension to the steering mechanism by positioning the steering column coaxially within the drive shaft. This three-dimensional arrangement allows for more precise angular control and better handling of uneven terrain compared to traditional planar steering linkages, while the coaxial alignment simplifies the manufacturing process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If coaxial co-located drive and steering systems are integrated, then directional control and maneuverability are enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drive and steering systems are merged into a single coaxial unit, enhancing directional control capability by eliminating the lag and inefficiency of separate systems. The integration is achieved through modular components that can be assembled relatively simply, keeping the increase in device complexity manageable while significantly improving adaptability and maneuverability.
Solution Approach 2:
The coaxial drive shaft and steering column assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously - power transmission and steering control - within a single integrated structure. This multi-functionality enhances adaptability and versatility without requiring proportionally more complex manufacturing processes, as the same structural elements perform multiple roles.
Data Source
AI summary
A coaxial co-located vehicle power drive and steering system includes a motor coupled to a transmission having a drive shaft with a first portion and a second portion mechanically interlocked by a spline having corresponding meshing features extending parallel to the drive shaft longitudinal axis. A drive shaft housing enclosing at least a length of the drive shaft, the drive shaft housing including a first portion and a second portion mechanically interlocked by a spline having corresponding meshing features extending parallel to the drive shaft longitudinal axis. A distal end of the drive shaft terminating within a differential gearbox in mechanical communication with an axle. A steering system coupled to the drive shaft housing second portion, the steering system including one or more rotatable gears which cause an angular rotation of the housing in relation to the drive shaft.