Coaxial Axial-Flux Drivetrain Layout for Heat and Power Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric vehicle drivetrains face challenges in optimizing power transmission efficiency and heat management, particularly in integrating axial flux electric motors with planetary gearsets and differentials, which can lead to inefficiencies and thermal issues.
Innovation Solution
The electric drivetrain incorporates an axial flux electric motor with a hollow output shaft, a planetary gearset, and a differential, where the second main driveshaft passes coaxially through the motor and gearset, along with a clutch assembly for engaging and disengaging gearsets, and a heat dissipation mechanism to manage thermal loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If an axial flux electric motor is integrated with a planetary gearset and differential in a compact drivetrain layout, then space utilization and power distribution are improved, but heat management becomes more difficult and thermal issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The drivetrain is divided into functionally independent modules: the axial flux motor, planetary gearset, differential, and heat dissipation mechanism are separated into distinct components that can be independently optimized. The heat dissipation mechanism is positioned as a separate module adjacent to the motor, allowing thermal management without compromising the compact integrated layout of the power transmission components.
2Volume of moving object
If power transmission components are closely integrated to reduce size, then space efficiency improves, but power transmission efficiency may be compromised due to increased complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The motor output shaft, planetary gearset, and differential are merged into a coaxial integrated assembly where the second main driveshaft passes through all components along a single drivetrain axis. This merging eliminates the need for additional transmission shafts and gear meshes, reducing power loss while maintaining compact dimensions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple main driveshafts are used to distribute power to both rear wheels, then power distribution capability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first main driveshaft serves dual functions: transmitting power from the differential to the first rear wheel and providing structural support for the differential assembly. The second main driveshaft similarly serves as both a power transmission element and a structural component that passes through the motor and gearset, reducing the need for additional dedicated support structures.
Data Source
AI summary
An electric drivetrain having an axial flux electric motor disposed along a drivetrain axis, the axial flux electric motor disposed to rotate a hollow motor output shaft extending along the drivetrain axis, which hollow motor output shaft engages a first planetary gearset. The first planetary gearset may be engaged and disengaged with a second planetary gearset that is coupled to a differential which, in turn, drives first and second main driveshafts, each of which also extends along the drivetrain axis. The first main driveshaft drives a first wheel hub assembly and the second main driveshaft passes coaxially through the planetary gearsets, the hollow motor output shaft and the axial flux electric motor to drive a second wheel hub assembly.