Coaxial Electric Steering Axle Layout for Compact AWD Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrically drivable axles are disadvantaged by high overall weight and large installation space requirements, as well as reduced efficiency due to the external introduction of torque and speed.
Innovation Solution
The electrically drivable steering axle features a coaxial arrangement of the electric motor, gearbox, and differential with the output shafts, eliminating the need for additional spur gears and allowing for a compact, lightweight design that improves efficiency and enables easy implementation of all-wheel drive systems in vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If the electric motor, gearbox, and differential are arranged in a conventional non-coaxial configuration, then the components can be easily manufactured and assembled, but the overall weight and installation space requirement increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electric motor, gearbox, and differential into a single coaxial assembly where all components share a common central axis. This integration allows the components to be closely coupled and share common structural elements, reducing overall weight and space while maintaining functional independence of each component
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a conventional distributed layout to a compact coaxial arrangement by organizing all components along a single longitudinal axis. This dimensional reorganization enables vertical stacking of functional elements, significantly reducing the lateral footprint and overall vehicle packaging requirements
2Loss of energy
If torque and rotational speed are introduced into the axle from outside the axle body, then the axle can be simpler in structure, but the efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power source (electric motor) directly with the transmission components (gearbox and differential) in an integrated coaxial assembly. This merger eliminates the need for external torque introduction mechanisms and reduces the number of intermediate power transmission interfaces, thereby minimizing energy losses while consolidating structural complexity into a manageable unified design
3Force
If additional spur gears are added to the axle, then the torque transmission can be improved, but the weight and space requirement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coaxially arranged gearbox and differential serve multiple functions simultaneously: the gearbox provides torque multiplication through gear reduction, while the differential distributes torque to the left and right wheels. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional dedicated torque transmission components, achieving effective torque transmission without increasing weight through redundant elements
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
This configuration results in a significantly reduced weight and space requirement while enhancing efficiency, allowing for a more compact and weight-saving design that facilitates all-wheel drive capabilities in vehicles such as work machines and trucks.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor (12), which is connected to the first wheel hub (15) and the second wheel hub (16) via a gearbox (13) and a differential (14)
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to an electrically driven steering axle (10) comprising an axle housing (11), an electric motor (12), a transmission (13), a differential (14) with a first output shaft (18) and a second output shaft (18'), a first wheel hub (15), a second wheel hub (16), and a steering linkage (17, 17', 17"), wherein the electric motor (12) is connected to the first wheel hub (15) and the second wheel hub (16) via the transmission (13) and the differential (14). The steering axle (10) according to the invention is characterized in that the electric motor (12), the transmission (13), and the differential (14) are arranged coaxially with respect to the first output shaft (18) and the second output shaft (18'). The invention further relates to a corresponding vehicle.