Induction Motor With Independent Rotors for Vehicle Differential
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric vehicles require mechanical differentials to manage differential wheel speeds during turns, which add cost, complexity, and weight, and introduce mechanical losses due to friction.
Innovation Solution
A drive system utilizing fully independent and uncoupled induction rotors within a common stator, coupled with a traction inverter and control system that monitors and controls the angular speeds of each rotor to generate torque signals based on the slower rotor, effectively mimicking a limited slip differential without the need for a mechanical differential.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mechanical differential is used to manage differential wheel speeds, then the vehicle can turn properly with different wheel speeds, but the cost, complexity, and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical differential system with an electric motor system that uses electronic control to achieve differential wheel speeds. Each wheel is driven by an independent motor, allowing electronic regulation of wheel speeds during turns without mechanical differentials, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining turning capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the drive system into separate independent motor units for each wheel, allowing individual control of each wheel's speed and torque. This segmentation eliminates the need for a mechanical differential mechanism while enabling proper differential operation during turns
2Ease of operation
If a mechanical differential is used to manage differential wheel speeds, then the vehicle can turn properly, but the weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the heavy mechanical differential mechanism with lighter electric motor units and electronic control systems. The independent motors with electronic speed regulation provide differential wheel speeds during turns without the weight penalty of mechanical differentials
3Ease of operation
If a mechanical differential is used to manage differential wheel speeds, then the vehicle can turn properly, but mechanical losses due to friction increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical differential with electric motor-driven wheels controlled by electronic systems. This substitution eliminates the frictional losses inherent in mechanical differential mechanisms while maintaining the ability to provide different wheel speeds during turns, thereby reducing energy loss
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 solution allows for independent wheel speed control, reducing mechanical losses and eliminating the need for a mechanical differential, thereby enhancing efficiency and reducing vehicle weight and cost while maintaining optimal tractive force.
Implementation Method 1
an induction motor with the induction motor including a stator, a first rotor disposed for rotation within the stator... a second rotor disposed for rotation within the stator
Data Source
AI summary
A limited slip electric drive system for a motor vehicle is disclosed. The system uses an induction motor having a stator, and first and second rotors disposed for independent rotation within the stator. The rotors are each independently associated with one wheel of the vehicle and are able to slip when the vehicle goes around a turn. A traction inverter and control system monitors angular speeds of the rotors and determines which of the rotors is turning slower than the other, and controls the induction motor in accordance with the rotor having a lower speed so that a torque signal is generated in accordance with the rotor having the lower speed.