Generator-Drive Utility Vehicle Axle With Torsional Shock Damping

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Commercial vehicle axles designed to drive generators are less robust and prone to damage, particularly at the connection between the wheel mounting element and the drive shaft, due to torque shocks from uneven road surfaces.

Innovation Solution

The wheel mounting element is torsionally elastically connected to the drive shaft via damping elements to dampen torque shocks, reducing mechanical stress and preventing damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the wheel mounting element is rigidly connected to the drive shaft, then the structural strength is improved, but the susceptibility to torque shock damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidsusceptibility to torque shock damage
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by introducing a damping element between the wheel mounting element and the drive shaft. This damping element is pre-installed to absorb and attenuate torque shocks before they can reach the drive shaft, thereby protecting the connection from damage while maintaining structural integrity. The damping element acts as a protective buffer that is already in place to counteract harmful torque variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Reliability

If the wheel mounting element is torsionally elastically connected to the drive shaft via damping elements, then the reliability is improved, but the structural strength decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection from torque shock damageVSAvoidstructural strength
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the connection characteristics between the wheel mounting element and the drive shaft. Instead of a purely rigid connection, the system transitions to a torsionally elastic connection through the damping element. This changes the mechanical parameters of the connection, allowing it to accommodate torque shocks while maintaining sufficient structural strength for normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If a massive design is used to stabilize the connection, then the strength is improved, but the weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical stabilizationVSAvoidweight of axle assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing a damping element as a mediator between the wheel mounting element and the drive shaft. This intermediary component provides the necessary mechanical stabilization and torque shock protection without requiring a massive design. The damping element acts as a lightweight mediator that achieves the stabilization function more efficiently than a purely massive structural approach.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 increases the longevity of the commercial vehicle axle by dampening torque shocks, avoiding downtimes and repair costs, while maintaining a simple and cost-effective structure.

Implementation Method 1

the wheel mounting element is torsionally elastically connected to the drive shaft in at least one direction of rotation via at least one damping element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTorsional elasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

via at least one damping element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDamping: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP4603300A1Utility vehicle axle for driving a generator, and utility vehicle with utility vehicle axle
Publication Date: 2025.08.20 SCHMITZ CARGOBULL AG
  • EP4603300A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4603300A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4603300A1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

Described and illustrated is a commercial vehicle axle (10), in particular of a truck, trailer, or semi-trailer, for driving a generator (15), having a drive shaft (18) for driving the generator (15), having an axle body (17) for at least partially receiving the drive shaft (18), and having a wheel mounting element (16) for mounting a non-driven wheel (11). The wheel mounting element (16) is connected to the drive shaft (18) in such a way that the drive shaft (18) can be driven by rotation of the wheel mounting element (16). In order to prevent damage as far as possible, the wheel mounting element (16) is connected to the drive shaft (18) in a torsionally elastic manner in at least one direction of rotation via at least one damping element.