Integrated Electric Drive Module With Torque Vectoring Layout
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric drive modules lack compactness, functionality, and cost-effectiveness, necessitating improvements for enhanced performance in vehicle applications.
Innovation Solution
The electric drive module integrates a differential, an electric drive motor, an electric torque vectoring motor, and a pinion, with various gear configurations such as reduction gears, coaxial arrangements, off-axis placements, and disconnect mechanisms to provide flexible torque distribution and vectoring capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing electric drive modules are designed with separate components for drive motor and torque vectoring, then functionality is provided, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the drive motor and torque vectoring motor into a single integrated electric drive module. The drive motor (30) and torque vectoring motor (50) are merged into one compact unit that provides both drive functionality and torque vectoring capability, eliminating the need for separate component assemblies and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated electric drive module serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides primary vehicle propulsion through the drive motor, enables torque vectoring through the torque vectoring motor, and can operate in various drive modes (mechanical, electric, hybrid). This multi-functionality is achieved within a single modular unit that consolidates what would traditionally require separate systems.
2Reliability
If traditional gear configurations are used for torque distribution, then reliability is maintained, but volume and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs nested planetary gear sets where gear components are arranged concentrically and interlocked. The first planetary gear set (62) and second planetary gear set (64) are nested within each other, with the ring gear (62c) of the first set serving as a structural element for the second set. This nesting arrangement achieves complex torque distribution functions within a minimal volume, maintaining reliability through proven gear mechanics while dramatically reducing the space required compared to traditional sequential gear arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional linear or sequential gear arrangements to a three-dimensional concentric planetary gear configuration. By utilizing radial and axial spaces in multiple dimensions, the gear sets achieve efficient torque distribution without requiring extended linear dimensions. The planetary gears operate in a compact radial arrangement that充分利用 three-dimensional space, reducing the overall module volume while maintaining torque distribution reliability.
3Volume of moving object
If compact integration is achieved, then volume is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the compact drive module into distinct functional segments: the drive motor assembly (30), torque vectoring motor assembly (50), and the planetary gear sets (62, 64). Each segment can be manufactured and assembled separately with standardized tolerances, then integrated into the final compact configuration. This segmentation allows manufacturers to work with manageable components rather than requiring ultra-precise monolithic manufacturing, thereby reducing the overall manufacturing precision burden while achieving compact integration.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple drive modes are integrated, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a disconnect mechanism (40) that dynamically reconfigures the powertrain architecture based on operating conditions. The disconnect can selectively engage or disengage the electric drive motor (30) from the mechanical drive train, enabling transition between electric drive mode, mechanical drive mode, and hybrid mode. This dynamic reconfiguration capability provides drive mode versatility without requiring permanently complex control systems, as the complexity is activated only when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
An electric drive module including a differential providing output torque to two drive shafts, an electric drive motor, an electric torque vectoring motor, and a pinion, in which the pinion is drivingly connected to the differential via a reduction gear. The electric drive motor may be arranged coaxially with the two drive shafts. The electric torque vectoring motor may be arranged off-axis and/or in parallel with, but at a distance from, the two drive shafts.