Concentric Clutch Drive Axle for Single-Motor Torque Vectoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrically driven vehicle axles require multiple electrical machines for torque vectoring, increasing complexity and cost, while existing solutions with a single electrical machine lack compactness and efficient torque control.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle axle design featuring concentrically arranged hydraulically actuated disc clutches with overlapping pistons and bearings, reducing the need for additional gear trains and enabling efficient torque vectoring with a single electrical machine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two electrical machines are used for torque vectoring, then torque control capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the torque control function into two separate clutches (first clutch and second clutch) that can independently engage and disengage, allowing selective torque distribution to left and right drive shafts. This segmentation enables torque vectoring functionality without requiring two complete electrical machines, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
A single electrical machine is designed to serve multiple functions: it can drive both the left and right drive shafts through the two clutches, enabling both standard drive and torque vectoring operations. The electrical machine acts as a universal power source that, combined with the clutch mechanism, provides the versatility previously requiring two separate machines.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional gear trains are added for torque vectoring, then torque distribution capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the torque distribution function from complex gear trains and implements it through a simpler clutch-based mechanism. The clutches directly control torque flow paths without requiring intermediate gear stages, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining the ability to distribute torque between left and right drive shafts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical gear train-based torque distribution with a clutch-controlled system directly driven by an electrical machine. This substitution eliminates the need for additional gear stages, bearings, and associated mechanical components, simplifying the overall drivetrain architecture while preserving torque vectoring capability.
3Ease of manufacture
If clutches are arranged axially separated, then ease of manufacturing is improved, but axial space consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from axial separation to radial arrangement of the clutches. The first and second clutches are positioned side-by-side in the radial direction rather than stacked axially, effectively utilizing the radial dimension of the drive shaft to reduce axial space consumption while maintaining manufacturability through standardized radial mounting positions.
4Stability of the object's composition
If radial alignment of pistons and bearings is implemented, then deflection reduction is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces deliberate radial offset between the piston and bearing positions, creating an asymmetric arrangement that compensates for operational deflections. The piston is positioned at a different radial location than the bearing, allowing the design to account for and mitigate deflection effects through geometric compensation rather than requiring ultra-precise symmetric alignment.
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 design achieves a compact, cost-effective solution with improved torque control, reduced weight, and faster response times, while minimizing deflections and drag losses.
Implementation Method 1
The disc clutches may be hydraulically actuated
Implementation Method 2
Each disc clutch may be actuated by a respective piston
Implementation Method 3
The disc clutches may be hydraulically actuated disc clutches
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
An electrically driven vehicle axle is provided, comprising an electrical machine (6), a left drive shaft (14), a right drive shaft (24), a first clutch (10) connecting the electrical machine to the left drive shaft (14) and a second clutch (20) connecting the electrical machine (6) to the right drive shaft (24). The first and second clutches (10, 20) are arranged concentrically.