Cross-Plane Drivetrain Layout for Compact Twin-Motor Gearboxes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drivetrains and gearboxes for electric vehicles suffer from cumbersomeness, increased weight, and space occupation due to the spatial separation of driving lines and the need for long transversal shafts, leading to higher costs and dimensions.
Innovation Solution
A drivetrain design with a central plane dividing the gearbox into half-spaces, using cross-plane intermediate elements to spatially shift torque flow between opposite half-spaces, reducing transversal dimensions and requiring fewer bearings, and allowing for compactness and efficient torque handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If spatial separation of driving lines is used in side-by-side twin motor gearbox configurations, then each driving line can be dedicated to a specific motor and driving axle, but the overall width of the gearbox increases and occupies more space within the vehicle structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by allowing driving lines to cross the central plane of the gearbox. Instead of strictly separating driving lines into left and right half-spaces, the design enables a driving line to extend from one half-space through the central plane to the other half-space. This spatial reconfiguration reduces the gearbox width while maintaining the adaptability of dedicated motor-to-axle connections.
2Ease of operation
If long transversal shafts are used to support gears in separated half-spaces, then the driving lines can connect motors to driving axles across the gearbox, but the number of bearings increases and the overall dimensions of the gearbox increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple shafts and bearings by allowing a single driving line to cross the central plane. Instead of requiring separate shafts and bearings for each half-space, the design integrates the torque transmission path across the central plane, reducing the total number of bearings and simplifying the shaft configuration while maintaining full connectivity between motors and driving axles.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a drivetrain comprising a frame defining a central plane respectively opposite half-spaces, and two driving lines housed in such half-spaces; the driving lines comprise respective torque input elements and torque output elements, and they further comprise at least a cross-plane intermediate element adapted to transmit torque coming from the first or from the second torque input towards the first or to the second torque output and across said central plane.