Geared Traction Drive for Electric Vehicle Dynamics Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle dynamics control systems rely on exception-based closed-loop control, intervening only after anomalies like sudden wheel speed or yaw rate changes, which can lead to delayed response and reduced traction control efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A geared traction drive system with an electric motor, gear reduction component, and advanced vehicle dynamic control system that uses sensor inputs to calculate required wheel speeds and torque commands, enabling precise control of stability, regenerative braking, and traction through continuous interpretation of driver intent and vehicle behavior.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If exception-based closed-loop control is used, then the control system intervenes only after anomalies are detected, but the response time is delayed and traction control efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraction control efficiencyVSAvoidresponse time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The control system continuously monitors wheel speeds and calculates required wheel speeds in advance, maintaining readiness to intervene before anomalies occur. The system proactively adjusts drive torques based on predicted vehicle dynamics needs rather than waiting for exception conditions, thereby reducing response time while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements continuous feedback loops that monitor actual wheel speeds, compare them with required speeds, and adjust drive torques accordingly. This real-time feedback mechanism enables the control system to maintain optimal traction control efficiency by continuously adapting to changing vehicle conditions without delayed response.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If individual wheel brake application is used, then anomaly correction is achieved, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle stability controlVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system divides the vehicle into four independently controllable wheel units, each with its own drive torque control. This segmentation allows individual wheel torque adjustment to correct stability anomalies while maintaining overall system manageability through modular control architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The electric drive motors serve multiple functions: they provide propulsion, enable regenerative braking, and act as torque control actuators for stability management. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby controlling system complexity while achieving reliable vehicle stability control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If continuous speed control is implemented, then traction and stability are optimized, but the control system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle dynamics controlVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces traditional mechanical differential and brake-based control mechanisms with electric motor torque control. This substitution enables continuous and precise speed control of each wheel through electronic modulation of motor torque, optimizing traction and stability while reducing mechanical complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The control system continuously adjusts drive torque parameters for each wheel based on real-time vehicle dynamics conditions. By dynamically changing torque magnitudes and directions, the system optimizes traction and stability control without requiring complex mechanical reconfiguration, achieving reliable vehicle dynamics control through electronic parameter modulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 system provides continuous and precise control of vehicle dynamics, optimizing traction and stability by directly controlling individual wheels, reducing wheel slip, and integrating regenerative braking with friction braking for enhanced braking effectiveness and precision.

Implementation Method 1

an electric drive motor for driving the driveshaft

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a gear reduction component for reducing the speed of the motor by a predetermined factor to a lower speed suitable for driving the wheel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Implementation Method 3

rely on accelerometers for yaw rate sensing, wheel speed sensors

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAccelerometer: Accelerometer

Data Source

PatentUS10308137B2Vehicle dynamics control in electric drive vehicles
Publication Date: 2019.06.04 WRIGHTSPEED
  • US10308137B2 patent drawing
  • US10308137B2 patent drawing
  • US10308137B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Embodiments of the invention are directed toward a geared traction drive system configured to drive a wheel of a vehicle, comprising: a driveshaft for transmitting power to the wheel; an electric drive motor for driving the driveshaft, the electric drive motor configured to receive signals from a vehicle dynamic control system to command a required speed; a gear reduction component for reducing the speed of the motor by a predetermined factor to a lower speed suitable for driving the wheel; and a drive electronics component that works with the electric drive motor to drive the wheel to the speed commanded by the vehicle dynamic control system.