Front-Wheel Assist Hub Assembly With In-Spindle Motor Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heavy-duty vehicles with rear-wheel-drive systems face traction issues in slippery conditions due to the lack of front-wheel motors, which complicates the structure and increases costs, reducing durability and serviceability.
Innovation Solution
The integration of front-wheel-assist systems within the front-wheel assemblies, including a motor and transmission assembly within the spindle, allows for improved traction and simplified connections to the suspension, enhancing torque at low speeds and rear-transmission gear life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If front-wheel motors are installed outside of the front-wheel assemblies, then the vehicle can achieve front-wheel assist capability, but the structure connecting front-wheel assemblies to suspension becomes complicated, increasing cost and reducing durability and serviceability
Solution Approach 1:
The motor is nested within the spindle cavity, which is itself part of the front-wheel assembly. This nesting approach allows the motor to be integrated into the existing wheel structure without adding external components, thereby achieving front-wheel assist capability while maintaining simple structure and good serviceability
2Adaptability or versatility
If front-wheel motors are installed outside of the front-wheel assemblies, then the vehicle can achieve front-wheel assist capability, but the cost of front-wheel assemblies increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motor is merged with the spindle and front-wheel assembly into a single integrated unit. This combination eliminates the need for separate motor mounting structures and external connections, simplifying manufacturing processes and reducing overall assembly cost while maintaining front-wheel assist functionality
3Device complexity
If front-wheel motors are installed within the front-wheel assemblies, then the structure is simplified and serviceability is improved, but space within the wheel assembly must be adequately utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The spindle is designed with a specific cavity structure that is optimized to accommodate the motor. This localized space optimization allows the motor to be fitted within the wheel assembly without compromising the overall structural integrity or requiring excessive space, thereby achieving both structural simplicity and adequate space utilization
Data Source
AI summary
A heavy-duty vehicle may include a vehicle frame, a plurality of rear-wheel assemblies, and a plurality of front-wheel assemblies. The wheel assemblies are mounted to the vehicle frame. Each of the front-wheel assemblies may include a rim, a spindle, a brake assembly, a motor, and a transmission assembly. The spindle may be at least partially disposed within the rim. The brake assembly may be disposed within the rim and may extend around the spindle. The motor may be disposed within the cavity in the spindle. At least a portion of the motor is disposed between first and second axial ends of the rim. The transmission assembly may be disposed within the rim. The transmission assembly may transmit rotary motion of the motor to the rim to rotate the rim relative to the spindle.