Coaxial Wheel Drive Module for 360° Steering in Tight Spaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wheel drive modules have high installation space requirements and limited steering angles due to offset transmissions and design constraints, making them unsuitable for compact and cost-effective applications, especially in logistic transport where low space and improved steerability are essential.
Innovation Solution
A wheel drive module featuring a transmission with first and second drive gear rings that rotate about a common axis, allowing the wheel to be steered and driven, with a defined wheel-receiving space between the gear rings, an output shaft connected to the wheel, and an intermediate shaft for indirect gearwheel pairing, enabling increased steering angles and reduced installation space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the transmission is arranged offset and spaced apart from the wheel, then the wheel can be driven, but the installation space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission components (drive gear rings, intermediate shaft, driven gearwheel) are merged into a single integrated unit that rotates about a common axis with the wheel, eliminating the need for offset arrangement and reducing installation space
2Adaptability or versatility
If the wheel is steered by rotation about a steering axis with offset transmission, then the wheel can be steered, but the steering angle is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The steering mechanism allows dynamic rotation of the entire transmission unit about the common axis, enabling the wheel to achieve full 360-degree steering angles rather than being limited by fixed offset steering geometry
Solution Approach 2:
The common axis rotation mechanism serves dual functions: it enables both steering of the wheel and rotation of the wheel about its own axis, providing multi-functionality that increases adaptability
3Adaptability or versatility
If the transmission components are integrated with common axis rotation, then the steering angle is increased to 360°, but the gearwheel pairing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate shaft with driving and driven intermediate wheels acts as a mediator that simplifies the gearwheel pairing by providing a clear transmission path from the drive gear rings to the driven gearwheel, making the mechanism easier to manufacture despite the increased steering capability
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
The solution allows for a compact, cost-effective wheel drive module with enhanced steering capabilities, achieving a 360° rotation angle while minimizing installation space, thus addressing the limitations of prior art designs.
Implementation Method 1
the transmission comprises a first and a second drive gear ring (15, 25), which are arranged such that they can rotate about a common rotation axis (R), the wheel (30) can be steered and driven by a respective rotation of the first drive gear ring (15) and the second drive gear ring (25)
Data Source
AI summary
A wheel drive module (1) is provided that has a wheel (30) and a transmission, wherein the transmission comprises a first and a second drive gear ring (15, 25) which are arranged such that they can rotate about a common rotation axis (R). The wheel (30) can be steered and driven by a respective rotation of the first drive gear ring (15) and the second drive gear ring (25). A wheel-receiving space (20) extending along the axis of rotation (R) is defined between the first drive gear ring (15) and the second drive gear ring (25), in which the wheel (30) is arranged at least sectionally.