Integrated Interaxle Bevel Gear Layout for Shorter Drive Axles
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drive axle assemblies in tandem drive vehicles have a substantial length and weight due to the configuration of interaxle differentials and front interwheel differentials, requiring numerous bearing arrangements, which is inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A drive axle assembly with an integrated interaxle differential bevel gear and input side gear, featuring a compact design that minimizes length and weight by using fewer components and eliminating the need for certain bearings, while maintaining efficient torque transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional interaxle differential configuration is used with input side gear at significant distance from drive pinion, then power distribution function is achieved, but drivetrain length and weight increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the input side gear and interaxle differential bevel gear into a single integrated unit that rotates together on the input shaft. This merging eliminates the need for separate mounting of these components at different locations, thereby reducing the overall drivetrain length while maintaining the power distribution function between front and rear drive axles.
2Reliability
If conventional interaxle differential configuration is used with multiple bearing arrangements, then component support and stability are achieved, but drivetrain weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the input side gear and bevel gear into a single unit, the patent reduces the number of separate components that require individual bearing support. This consolidation maintains necessary stability and support for the differential function while eliminating redundant bearing arrangements, thereby reducing overall drivetrain weight.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional separate input side gear and bevel gear configuration is used, then functional requirements are met, but device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the input side gear and interaxle differential bevel gear into a single composite component that performs both functions simultaneously. This reduces the total number of discrete parts in the drivetrain while maintaining all necessary functional capabilities for power distribution and differential operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated gear unit serves multiple functions: it acts as both the input side gear for the differential and the bevel gear for power transmission to the rear axle. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated components, simplifying the overall device structure while meeting all functional requirements.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A drive axle assembly includes an input shaft, an output shaft, and an interaxle differential comprising at least one spider gear rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the input shaft, an output side gear in meshing engagement with the at least one spider gear and non-rotatably mounted on the output shaft, and an integrated interaxle differential bevel gear and input side gear rotatably supported on the input shaft, the input side gear being in meshing engagement with the at least one spider gear.