Drive Axle Layout With Lateral Motor for More Aisle Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drive axle systems face challenges in efficiently integrating an electric motor with wheel end assemblies while minimizing intrusion into vehicle aisles and optimizing weight and cost by allowing a single electric motor to be connected to multiple wheel end assemblies.
Innovation Solution
A drive axle system comprising a support structure with a main support, rear arms, and a suspension beam that positions the electric motor laterally between wheel end assemblies, allowing it to be operatively connected to both and reducing intrusion into vehicle aisles, with the electric motor being positioned below and perpendicular to the wheel axis to accommodate vehicle body structure and enhance aisle space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the electric motor is positioned laterally between wheel end assemblies, then intrusion into vehicle aisles is reduced, but the structural complexity of the support structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electric motor is repositioned from a longitudinal arrangement to a lateral arrangement between wheel end assemblies, utilizing the lateral dimension to reduce intrusion into vehicle aisles while maintaining functional connectivity through the support structure
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is designed to perform multiple functions: supporting the electric motor, connecting to multiple wheel end assemblies, and enabling lateral positioning to optimize aisle space, thereby reducing the need for additional dedicated components
2Weight of moving object
If a single electric motor is connected to multiple wheel end assemblies, then weight and cost are reduced, but the reliability of power transmission to each wheel end assembly may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple wheel end assemblies are connected to a single electric motor through the support structure, merging the power source into one unit while maintaining distributed connection points, thereby reducing overall system weight and cost
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure acts as an intermediary between the single electric motor and multiple wheel end assemblies, facilitating reliable power transmission through structured mechanical connections while allowing the motor to remain centrally positioned
3Volume of moving object
If the rotor axis is positioned below and perpendicular to the wheel axis, then space optimization and vehicle body accommodation are improved, but the mechanical complexity of the transmission system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor axis is oriented perpendicular to the wheel axis and positioned below it, utilizing the vertical dimension to accommodate the motor within available space while optimizing the overall packaging of the drive axle system
Solution Approach 2:
The perpendicular and offset positioning of the rotor axis relative to the wheel axis creates an asymmetric arrangement that optimizes space utilization and allows accommodation of vehicle body structure, departing from conventional aligned configurations
Data Source
AI summary
A drive axle system that includes first and second wheel end assemblies, a support structure, and an electric motor. A support structure supports the first and second wheel end assemblies and the electric motor. The electric motor has a rotor that is rotatable about a rotor axis. The rotor axis is disposed below a wheel axis.