Coupled Axle Drive System Dynamic Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle drive systems either operate in two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, but lack the flexibility to dynamically switch between these modes based on driving conditions, such as terrain and acceleration, using a combination of conventional engine and electric drive systems.
Innovation Solution
A coupled axle drive system that integrates a conventional engine-driven axle with an electric machine-driven axle, allowing for two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive operation by using an electric machine to drive at least one wheel, with energy storage and control systems to manage power distribution and switching between drive modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional engine-driven axle is used for both wheels, then the structure is simple and cost-effective, but the system cannot dynamically switch between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive modes
Solution Approach 1:
The drive system is divided into two independent axle drive devices: a first axle drive device with an internal combustion engine and a second axle drive device with electric machines. This segmentation allows each axle to be controlled independently, enabling dynamic switching between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive modes while keeping each individual drive unit relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle drive system is designed to perform multiple functions through a unified control architecture that can operate in different drive modes (two-wheel drive, four-wheel drive) and different operating conditions (acceleration, cruising, terrain adaptation). The control device coordinates both axle drive devices to achieve versatile driving capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an electric machine is added to create a hybrid axle drive system, then dynamic drive mode switching is enabled, but the vehicle weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of equipping both axles with full-power electric machines, the system uses electric machines only on the second axle to provide supplemental drive capability when needed. This partial application of electric drive technology achieves drive mode flexibility while minimizing the weight increase compared to a full hybrid system.
Solution Approach 2:
The first axle drive device with the internal combustion engine serves as the primary and always-available power source, while the second axle with electric machines provides supplemental power when required. The system leverages the existing engine-driven axle to reduce the power requirements and weight of the electric machine-equipped axle.
3Adaptability or versatility
If electric machines are used to drive the second axle, then four-wheel drive capability is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the operating mode based on real-time driving conditions, terrain requirements, and acceleration needs. The control device activates the electric machine-driven second axle only when four-wheel drive is necessary, switching between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive modes to optimize energy consumption while maintaining adequate traction 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
Enables dynamic switching between two-wheel and four-wheel drive modes based on driving conditions, improving traction and efficiency by utilizing the electric machine to enhance vehicle performance on various terrains and routes, while ensuring energy availability through integrated energy storage and conversion systems.
Implementation Method 1
The second axle drive device has an electric machine for driving at least one wheel of the second axle
Data Source
AI summary
A coupled axle drive system for a vehicle has a first axle drive device for driving a first axle of the vehicle by a connected engine and a second axle drive device for driving a second axle of the vehicle. The second axle drive device has an electric machine for driving at least one wheel of the axle.