Electric Vehicle Wheel Hub Drive with Sealed Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric vehicle designs with motor and reduction mechanisms disposed on one side of the wheel lead to weight imbalance and exposure of nuts to external disturbances like stones, compromising protection and reliability.
Innovation Solution
The electric vehicle design distributes the motor and reduction mechanism on either side of the wheel, with a hollow cylindrical axle passing through the wheel, and uses a sealing labyrinth structure and bearings to protect the coupling portion from disturbances, ensuring weight balance and compactness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the motor and reduction mechanism are disposed on one side of the wheel, then the structure is simplified, but weight imbalance occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The drive system is segmented into two separate modules: a motor module with the motor (16) and a reduction mechanism module with the reduction mechanism (160). These modules are positioned on opposite sides of the wheel (90), with the motor on one side and the reduction mechanism on the other side. This segmentation allows weight distribution to be balanced while maintaining structural simplicity through modular design.
2Ease of manufacture
If the nut is exposed on the side surface of the wheel, then assembly is simplified, but the coupling portion becomes vulnerable to external disturbances
Solution Approach 1:
The nut (172) and coupling portion (192) are nested within the motor module housing rather than being exposed on the wheel surface. The motor module acts as a protective enclosure that houses the motor (16), motor shaft (16a), and coupling mechanism. This nesting protects the coupling portion from external disturbances like stones while maintaining assembly simplicity through the modular motor module design.
3Reliability
If the coupling portion is protected from external disturbances, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective function is merged with the motor module housing. The same housing that contains the motor (16) and transmits power also serves as the protective enclosure for the coupling portion (192). This merging of functions protects the coupling portion from external disturbances without adding separate protective structures, thereby avoiding increased device complexity.
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
This design achieves weight balance, protects the coupling portion from external disturbances, and allows for efficient braking while maintaining a compact and durable drive system.
Implementation Method 1
a sealing portion (190, 194) is provided for sealing between the wheel (90) and the motor (16) in a manner surrounding the coupling portion (192)
Implementation Method 2
a first bearing (194) is inserted between the motor case (44) and the wheel (90) in a manner surrounding the motor shaft (16a), the cylindrical shaft (52), and the coupling portion (192). The first bearing (194) relatively rotatably mounts the motor case (44) to the wheel (90)
Data Source
AI summary
An electric vehicle capable of protecting a coupling portion between a wheel and an axle from disturbance. An electric vehicle includes an axle that is a hollow cylindrical shaft passing substantially coaxially through a wheel in a manner extending from both sides of the wheel. A motor shaft is inserted into a hollow portion of the axle substantially coaxially with the axle in a manner extending from both ends of the axle. In this case, a motor is connected to a base end of the motor shaft extending from one end of the axle. Between the wheel and the motor, there are provided a coupling portion for coupling between the one end of the axle and the wheel, and a labyrinth structure for sealing between the wheel and the motor in a manner surrounding the coupling portion.