Integrated Steering Drive Axle for Independent Wheel Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric vehicles with large carrying capacities, such as buses and trucks, face challenges in achieving flexible control of wheels due to the limitations of drive electric motors and high costs associated with in-wheel motors, making it difficult to implement efficient electric driving modes.
Innovation Solution
An integrated steering drive axle with two motor drive systems per axle, including a first drive electric motor for rotation and a second for steering, connected via transmission mechanisms and universal joints, allowing independent control of each wheel for enhanced flexibility and power distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single drive electric motor is used to drive wheels on opposite sides of one axle, then the structure is simplified, but the control flexibility of the electric vehicle is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the drive system into independent motor units, with each wheel having its own drive electric motor. This segmentation allows each wheel to be controlled independently, achieving both structural simplicity through modular design and high control flexibility through individual motor control of each wheel
Solution Approach 2:
Each motor drive system is designed to perform multiple functions: it can independently control wheel rotation for propulsion and wheel steering for direction control. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate steering mechanisms, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining high control flexibility
2Adaptability or versatility
If in-wheel motors are employed for each wheel, then control flexibility is improved, but the cost increases and power limitation restricts application to small carrying capacity vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adopts a segmented motor drive system where each wheel has its own motor unit, but these units are standardized and modular. This allows mass production of identical motor modules, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining the control flexibility benefits of individual wheel motors
Solution Approach 2:
The motor drive systems are designed with adjustable power parameters and modular configurations that can be scaled to meet different power requirements. This allows the same basic design to be applied to vehicles with small to large carrying capacities by changing motor power ratings rather than redesigning the entire system
3Power
If multiple drive axles are used in vehicles with large carrying capacity, then power distribution is improved, but the driving structure becomes complex and electric driving mode becomes difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the same independent motor drive system to each axle, creating a modular and standardized architecture. Each axle becomes an independent module with identical control principles, simplifying the overall multi-axle structure while maintaining excellent power distribution capabilities across all wheels
Solution Approach 2:
The universal motor drive system design allows the same technology platform to be applied across multiple axles, each capable of independent rotation and steering control. This universality reduces structural complexity by eliminating the need for different systems on different axles while achieving superior power distribution
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 integrated steering drive axle enables improved control flexibility and efficient power distribution, suitable for vehicles with large carrying capacities, facilitating independent wheel rotation and steering, and can be adapted from existing fuel engine-powered axles, simplifying mounting and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a first drive electric motor, arranged separately from the corresponding wheel
Implementation Method 2
a second drive electric motor, used for providing steering power necessary for turning or steering the corresponding wheel
Implementation Method 3
a first transmission mechanism, arranged between the first drive electric motor and the corresponding wheel and used for transferring the output power of the first drive electric motor to the corresponding wheel
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an integrated steering drive axle for a vehicle and an electric vehicle. The integrated steering drive axle includes an integrally rigid axle beam arranged to extend between the two wheels along the lateral direction of the vehicle, and two motor drive systems mounted at the axle beam, wherein each motor drive system can independently drive a corresponding one of the two wheels to rotate and turn; wherein each motor drive system includes: a first drive electric motor, arranged separately from the corresponding wheel; a first transmission mechanism, arranged between the first drive electric motor and the corresponding wheel and used for transferring the output power of the first drive electric motor to the corresponding wheel to drive the corresponding wheel to rotate; and a second drive electric motor, used for providing steering power necessary for steering the corresponding wheel. According to the present invention, the two motor drive systems for independently driving the wheels at opposite sides are mounted at the integrated steering drive axle, thereby improving the control flexibility of the vehicle and achieving independent driving and independent steering of the wheels.