Inter-Axle Differential Locking Mechanism with Electric Motor Brake
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inter-axle differential systems face challenges with locking mechanisms that require vehicles to be stationary or travel at low speeds for locking and unlocking, leading to increased component loading due to back-driving torque and potential missed traction reduction opportunities.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle system with an inter-axle differential featuring an electric motor coupled to a clutch assembly and an electric motor brake, allowing for active locking and unlocking while in motion, reducing back-driving torque and increasing system efficiency by selectively engaging and disengaging the locking mechanism based on traction conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional locking mechanisms are used in the inter-axle differential, then the vehicle can achieve locked traction, but the vehicle must remain stationary or travel at low speed to perform locking and unlocking procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical locking mechanisms with an electric motor-driven clutch assembly. The electric motor (212) actuates the clutch assembly (300) to engage or disengage the locking mechanism (404), enabling locking and unlocking operations while the vehicle is in motion across a wider speed range, not limited to stationary or low-speed conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the electric motor is used to actuate the clutch assembly, then active locking and unlocking can be achieved while in motion, but back-driving torque increases component loading
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a clutch assembly (300) as an intermediary between the electric motor (212) and the locking mechanism (404). The clutch assembly includes friction plates (307, 309) that can be selectively engaged or disengaged, allowing the electric motor to actuate the locking mechanism while providing a mechanical buffer that reduces back-driving torque transmission to the motor, thereby decreasing component loading.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the locking mechanism by introducing a clutch assembly that can be selectively engaged or disengaged. This allows the system to transition between locked and unlocked states while in motion, changing the torque transmission characteristics and reducing the impact of back-driving torque on the electric motor and other components.
3Reliability
If the locking mechanism is engaged to prevent speed differentiation, then vehicle traction increases, but the vehicle operator may miss unexpected traction reductions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic locking mechanism that can be actively engaged or disengaged while the vehicle is in motion. The electric motor-driven clutch assembly allows the locking state to change during vehicle operation, enabling the system to respond to changing traction conditions in real-time rather than being constrained to stationary or low-speed operations only.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback-controlled locking mechanism where the electric motor (212) and clutch assembly (300) can be actuated based on vehicle operating conditions. This allows the system to monitor and respond to traction conditions, engaging the locking mechanism when traction is needed and disengaging when traction conditions improve, thereby reducing response time to unexpected traction reductions.
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
Enables efficient active locking and unlocking of the inter-axle differential across a wider range of vehicle operating conditions, reducing the likelihood of motor back-driving and component degradation, and enhancing traction in low-traction environments.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor brake coupled to the electric motor and configured to selectively apply a brake torque to the electric motor
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for a locking mechanism in an inter-axle differential are provided. A vehicle system, in one example, includes an electric motor coupled to a clutch assembly in a locking mechanism of an inter-axle differential coupled to a first axle and a second axle, the clutch assembly is configured to selectively disengage the locking mechanism, and in the disengaged configuration the locking mechanism permits speed differentiation between the first and second axles. The system further includes an electric motor brake coupled to the electric motor and configured to selectively apply a brake torque to the electric motor and the electric motor is configured to actuate the clutch assembly.