Integrated Inter-Axle Coupling Layout for Compact Chassis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle chassis designs require long wheelbases due to the placement of axle and inter-axle differentials, leading to unused space and increased chassis length.
Innovation Solution
An inter-axle coupling part that integrates an inter-axle differential and two axle differentials between the first and second front or rear axles, allowing for a more compact chassis by filling unused space and reducing the need for long wheelbases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If axle differentials and inter-axle differentials are placed separately between axles, then each differential can be serviced independently, but the chassis length increases and space is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple differentials (first axle differential, second axle differential, and inter-axle differential) into a single integrated assembly called an inter-axle coupling part. This merging allows the differentials to share common components such as the carrier, housing, and lubrication system, thereby reducing the overall chassis length while maintaining the capability for independent servicing through modular sub-assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated inter-axle coupling part serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both an axle differential assembly and an inter-axle differential assembly. The common carrier and housing structure provide universal support for multiple differential functions, eliminating the need for separate mounting spaces and reducing chassis length while preserving independent repairability through modular design.
2Device complexity
If traditional separate differential arrangements are used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but unused space exists between axles
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the first axle differential, second axle differential, and inter-axle differential into a single integrated coupling part, the patent eliminates unused space between axles. The combined structure allows all differential components to occupy a compact shared volume, removing the wasted space that would exist if separate differentials were mounted independently while adding only minimal structural complexity.
Data Source
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present invention relates to an inter-axle coupling part (1) for coupling either a first front axle (3) to a second front axle (4), or a first rear axle (5) to a second rear axle (6). The inter-axle coupling part (1) is connectable to a first coupling shaft (21) leading away from an auxiliary transmission (2). The inter-axle coupling part (1) comprises a first axle differential (17) for the first front axle (3) or the second rear axle (6); an inter-axle differential (20); and a second axle differential (19) for the second front axle (4) or the first rear axle (5). The inter-axle differential (20) is connectable with the first coupling shaft (21) and connected to the first axle differential (17) and the second axle differential (19). The axle differential (20) comprises a carrier (111) for engaging a geared portion of an input shaft; a housing (103) fixedly connected to the carrier (111); and six pins with planet gears (104) mounted on the housing (103) for engaging a geared portion of a first or second output shaft. The output torques are directed to opposite sides.