Electrical Axle Torque Vectoring via Coaxial Planetary Gears
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing torque vectoring devices for road vehicles are heavy, expensive, and inefficient in terms of power consumption due to their mechanical design, which affects the rotational speed and size, making them unsuitable for modern performance and cost requirements.
Innovation Solution
An electrical axle with a torque vectoring unit comprising an electrical propulsion motor, coaxially arranged planetary gears forming a differential mechanism, and a torque vectoring device with an electrical motor connected to the planetary gears, allowing for a higher gear ratio and reduced size through the use of compact gear reduction mechanisms such as cycloidal drives or differential planetary gears.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical gear devices are used for torque vectoring, then torque distribution between wheels is improved, but device weight and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical torque vectoring devices with an electrical motor system. The electrical motor is coupled to the driven axle and provides positive torque to one wheel and opposite torque to another wheel through direct electrical actuation, eliminating the need for heavy mechanical gear devices while achieving the same torque distribution function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters by using an electrical motor that can independently control torque magnitude and direction. This allows precise control of torque vectoring by adjusting electrical parameters (current, voltage, rotation speed) rather than relying on fixed mechanical gear ratios, enabling adaptive torque distribution with reduced weight.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical gear devices are used for torque vectoring, then torque distribution is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical motor-based torque vectoring unit replaces complex mechanical gear devices, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost. Electrical motors are more standardized and easier to manufacture at scale compared to custom mechanical differential gear systems, while providing equivalent or superior torque distribution capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical gear devices are used for torque vectoring, then torque control is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical motor system replaces mechanical power transmission through gears with direct electrical torque application. This eliminates energy losses associated with mechanical friction, gear meshing, and power transmission through multiple mechanical components, resulting in lower overall power consumption while maintaining precise torque control.
4Adaptability or versatility
If traditional torque vectoring devices are used, then torque vectoring function is achieved, but device size is large
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical motor-based torque vectoring unit replaces bulky mechanical gear devices with a more compact electrical system. The electrical motor and its control electronics occupy significantly less space than equivalent mechanical differential gear systems, enabling integration into modern vehicle architectures with space constraints.
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 more compact, cost-effective, and efficient torque vectoring system that enhances vehicle stability and performance by enabling precise torque distribution between wheels, reducing power consumption and size constraints.
Implementation Method 1
an electrical propulsion motor arranged coaxially on said axle
Implementation Method 2
a first planetary gear connected to said electrical propulsion motor and to a first side of said axle, and a second planetary gear connected to said electrical propulsion motor and to a second side of said axle
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical axle for a four wheeled road vehicle with an electrical propulsion motor arranged coaxially on the axle. A first planetary gear is connected to the electrical propulsion motor and to a first side of the axle. A second planetary gear is connected to the electrical propulsion motor and to a second side of the axle. The first and second planetary gears form a differential mechanism. A torque vectoring unit includes an electrical motor arranged coaxially on the axle for providing a change in torque distribution between the first side and the second side of the axle. The electrical motor of the torque vectoring unit is connected to the first and second planetary gears.