Hub-Mounted Electric Drive Wheel for Lower UTV Steering Effort

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electric wheel hub motors for utility vehicles (UTVs) are hindered by high weight, leading to negative impacts on ride, handling, and steering.

Innovation Solution

Integration of an electric motor with a stator fixedly coupled to the hub carrier of the drive wheel assembly, which minimizes gyroscopic oversteer and reduces vibrations, weight, and part complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If electric wheel hub motors are used to propel the UTV, then the number of vehicle parts is reduced and propulsion torque is increased, but the high weight of the motors negatively impacts ride, handling, and steering

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of vehicle partsVSAvoidweight of electric motor

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the electric motor with the wheel hub assembly, integrating the motor into the existing wheel structure. This merging reduces the number of separate components while strategically positioning the motor to minimize its negative effects on vehicle dynamics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent repositions the electric motor from a traditional centralized location to a distributed wheel hub location, changing the spatial dimension of motor placement. This dimensional change allows the motor weight to be distributed across multiple wheels rather than concentrated in one location, reducing its impact on handling and steering.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Power

If electric wheel hub motors are positioned at the wheel hubs, then high propulsion torque is achieved, but ride quality and steering performance deteriorate due to the added weight

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepropulsion torqueVSAvoidsteering performance

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by positioning the electric motor specifically at the wheel hub where it is most needed for propulsion, while using the hub carrier structure to strategically distribute and balance the motor weight. This localized placement with careful structural design maintains high torque output while minimizing negative effects on steering.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The hub carrier structure acts as a counterbalancing mechanism that offsets the negative effects of motor weight on steering and handling. By designing the hub carrier to properly position and balance the motor assembly, the system compensates for the added weight while maintaining propulsion benefits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the stator is fixedly coupled with the hub carrier, then gyroscopic oversteer and vibrations are minimized, but the motor controller remains vulnerable to damage from water and mud

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegyroscopic stabilityVSAvoidexposure to water and mud

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the motor into two distinct parts: the stator fixedly coupled to the hub carrier for stability, and the rotor attached to the wheel for rotation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while protecting vulnerable components from environmental damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hub carrier serves as an intermediary structure between the stator and the wheel assembly. It provides a stable mounting platform for the stator while allowing the rotor and wheel to rotate independently, protecting the stator from water and mud exposure while maintaining gyroscopic stability.

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 configuration enhances ride and handling by reducing suspension weight, minimizing gyroscopic oversteer, and reducing dynamic steering efforts, while also reducing the risk of motor controller damage from environmental factors.

Implementation Method 1

an electric motor configured for causing the drive wheel assembly rotatable portion to rotate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

minimizing gyroscopic oversteer of a cantilevered motor mass when steering

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGyroscopic effect: Gyroscope

Implementation Method 3

high propulsion torque

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentUS20250074180A1Utility vehicle with electric motor at drive wheel

Publication Date: 2025.03.06 WHISPER CARTS LLC

AI summary

A utility vehicle configured for traveling off-road includes: a chassis; and a drive wheel assembly coupled with the chassis and including: a drive wheel assembly rotatable portion configured for rotating and thereby for enabling the utility vehicle to traverse a ground; a hub carrier coupled with the drive wheel assembly rotatable portion, which is configured for rotating relative to the hub carrier; and an electric motor configured for causing the drive wheel assembly rotatable portion to rotate, the electric motor including a stator which is fixedly coupled with the hub carrier.