Electric Axle PTO Layout for Multi-Axle Drive Without Extra Motors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle drive systems with electric axles face challenges of increased cost and weight due to the installation of multiple dedicated electric motors, which can be mitigated by utilizing a power take-off (PTO) shaft to drive both tractive elements and accessories, reducing the need for additional electric motors.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an electric axle with a PTO shaft that can drive both tractive elements and accessories, allowing flexibility in selecting which axles are driven by the electric motor, thereby reducing the need for multiple electric motors and associated weight and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple dedicated electric motors are installed to drive different axles, then each axle can be independently controlled, but the vehicle cost and weight increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling a single electric motor to drive multiple axles through a power take-off shaft mechanism. The first axle assembly includes both a tractive element for vehicle propulsion and a PTO shaft that can drive a second axle assembly, allowing one motor to perform multiple driving functions that would traditionally require separate motors for each axle.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple dedicated electric motors are installed to drive different axles, then each axle can be independently controlled, but the vehicle cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling a single electric motor to drive multiple axles through a power take-off shaft mechanism. The first axle assembly includes both a tractive element for vehicle propulsion and a PTO shaft that can drive a second axle assembly, allowing one motor to perform multiple driving functions that would traditionally require separate motors for each axle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the driving functions of multiple axles into a single integrated system. The electric motor, power transmission, and PTO shaft are merged into one axle assembly that can simultaneously or selectively drive multiple axles, reducing the total number of motors and associated control systems needed.
3Weight of moving object
If a PTO shaft is used to drive both tractive elements and accessories from a single electric motor, then the number of electric motors is reduced, but the mechanical complexity of the power transmission system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a power take-off shaft as an intermediary component between the electric motor and the second axle assembly. This PTO shaft acts as a mediator that transfers rotational power from the first axle assembly to drive the second axle, enabling flexible power distribution without requiring direct mechanical coupling between multiple motors.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a chassis and an electric axle coupled to the chassis. The electric axle includes an electric motor, a tractive element coupled to the electric motor and configured to be driven by the electric motor to propel the vehicle, a power take off (PTO) shaft coupled to the electric motor, a drive shaft coupling the tractive element to the electric motor, and a housing coupled to the chassis and at least partially containing the electric motor, the drive shaft, and the PTO shaft.