Electric Vehicle Drive Train Merging Gearing for All-Wheel Drive
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drive train systems for electrically drivable motor vehicles with all-wheel capability are complex and require intricate gearing arrangements, making them less efficient and more costly to implement.
Innovation Solution
A compact drive train design featuring two electric machines connected via bevel gear toothing and a propeller or cardan shaft, allowing for efficient torque transmission to both axles with optional constant transmission ratios and spur gearing, enabling a structurally simple all-wheel drive system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional drive train system with two electric machines and gearing is used to achieve all-wheel drive, then all-wheel drive capability is provided, but the structural complexity increases and the system becomes less compact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the drive functions for both axles into a single integrated gearing unit. The gearing has a first output shaft connected to the first axle and a second output shaft connected to the second axle, allowing both axles to be driven from one compact location rather than using separate drive systems for each axle.
Solution Approach 2:
The single gearing unit performs multiple functions: it drives the first axle through the first output shaft, drives the second axle through the second output shaft, and provides torque distribution to both axles simultaneously. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate differential assemblies for each axle.
2Adaptability or versatility
If intricate gearing arrangements are used to transmit torque to both axles, then all-wheel drive is achieved, but the manufacturing cost and implementation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the torque transmission paths for both axles into a single gearing assembly. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components that need to be manufactured and assembled, including eliminating the need for separate differential cases, half shafts, and associated mounting structures for each axle.
Solution Approach 2:
The gearing unit is designed as a universal drive component that handles torque distribution to both axles through its two output shafts. This single multi-functional unit replaces what would traditionally require two separate differential assemblies, reducing manufacturing steps and assembly operations.
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 results in a compact, efficient, and cost-effective all-wheel drive system for electric vehicles, capable of powering both rear and front axles with reduced complexity, allowing for flexible electric machine configurations and torque vectoring.
Implementation Method 1
the gearing and the first axle are connected to each other by means of at least one bevel gear toothing
Implementation Method 2
the gearing and a shaft for driving the second axle are connected to each other by means of at least one further toothing
Data Source
AI summary
A drive train (1) of a purely electrically all-wheel drivable motor vehicle, has a first axle (2), a second axle and two electric machines (10) arranged in the direction of travel (3) of the motor vehicle. The first axle (2) can be driven by the electric machines (10) via a transmission (11). The transmission (11) and the first axle (2) are connected to each other by at least one bevel gear toothing (20, 7; 20, 27), and the transmission (11) and a shaft for driving the second axle are connected to each other by at least a further toothing (22, 23; 22, 28). In this way, an all-wheel drive can be achieved with a simple construction by the use of such a drive train in a motor vehicle that is to be operated in a purely electrical manner.