Integral Electric Transaxle Layout for Compact Vehicle Drives
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drive systems for vehicles like lawn tractors and snow throwers lack a compact and efficient transaxle design that integrates a power generating device, electric motor, and reduction gear train within a common housing, limiting their performance and versatility.
Innovation Solution
A transaxle system with a common housing containing a power generating device, electric motor, and reduction gear train, optionally with a differential, where the input shaft of the generator is parallel to the output shaft of the electric motor, allowing for a compact and flexible unit with motor and generator controllers for control signals, enabling efficient power management and user control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a power generating device, electric motor, and reduction gear train are integrated within a common housing, then device compactness and space efficiency are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power generating device, electric motor, and reduction gear train into a single integrated transaxle assembly with a common housing. This merging of previously separate components into one unified structure reduces overall system volume and improves space efficiency while maintaining functional independence of each component
Solution Approach 2:
The transaxle assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: the power generating device generates electrical power, the electric motor provides drive torque, and the reduction gear train provides mechanical advantage. This multi-functional integration allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate systems
2Ease of operation
If motor and generator controllers are enclosed within the common housing, then ease of operation and control precision are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The motor controller and generator controller are enclosed within the same common housing as the mechanical components, creating a fully integrated control package. This consolidation improves ease of operation by centralizing control functions and reduces the number of external connections required
3Adaptability or versatility
If the input shaft of the generator is arranged parallel to the output shaft of the electric motor, then adaptability to different vehicle configurations is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a shaft arrangement where the generator input shaft is positioned parallel to the electric motor output shaft, creating a planar power transmission layout. This dimensional arrangement allows for compact packaging while maintaining clear separation of power flow paths and simplifies mounting configurations for different vehicle applications
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
The solution provides a compact and efficient drive system that enhances performance and versatility by allowing for precise control of electric motors, improved power management, and integration with various vehicle types, including zero-turn applications.
Implementation Method 1
a power generating device that powers the electric motor
Implementation Method 2
an electric motor that is controlled by a vehicle user and that drives at least one output axle
Implementation Method 3
a reduction gear train engaged to and driven by the electric motor
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle drive and control system for a vehicle having a prime mover and an operator control device such as a steering wheel is disclosed. A transaxle includes a power generating device in a transaxle housing and driven by the prime mover, an electric motor in the transaxle housing and powered by the power generating device, and at least one axle extending out of the transaxle housing and engaged to and driving one of a pair of driven wheels. A battery is powered by the power generating device, and connected to a controller. The controller is operatively connected to the operator control device and to the electric motor such that the controller controls electric motor output based on input received via the operator control device.