Vehicle Drive Layout With Lateral Power Distribution and AWD Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle driving apparatuses face challenges in achieving a compact size configuration for the power distribution device, particularly when it is disposed laterally, as they require a longitudinal arrangement to efficiently distribute power between front and rear wheels.
Innovation Solution
The driving apparatus includes a power distribution device disposed coaxially with the drive shafts, featuring a rotating machine and differential mechanism with rotary elements connected to a power transmission member, allowing for compact lateral placement and enabling switching between all-wheel drive and two-wheel drive modes through engagement devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the power distribution device is disposed longitudinally, then the power distribution function is achieved, but the device size becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the arrangement dimension of the power distribution device from longitudinal (along the vehicle length direction) to lateral (along the vehicle width direction). Specifically, the power distribution device is positioned laterally of the rotating machine, with its rotation axis extending in the vehicle width direction, thereby reducing the longitudinal extension of the drive system and achieving a more compact overall layout.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates multiple functional components into a nested configuration where the power distribution device is positioned laterally of the rotating machine, and the propeller shaft is laterally of the power distribution device. This nested lateral arrangement allows compact packaging of multiple power transmission components without requiring separate longitudinal spaces for each component.
2Volume of moving object
If the power distribution device is disposed laterally, then the device size is reduced, but the connection between rotary elements and power transmission paths becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric lateral positioning of components at different heights. The power distribution device is disposed laterally of the rotating machine at a first height, while the propeller shaft is disposed laterally of the power distribution device at a second height different from the first height. This asymmetric vertical-staggered lateral arrangement simplifies the connection paths between components by avoiding overlapping and interference, making the lateral configuration more manageable.
3Volume of moving object
If the power distribution device is disposed laterally, then the device size is reduced, but the switching mechanism between drive modes adds complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a switching mechanism that selectively connects the rotationally symmetric elements to either the power distribution device or the propeller shaft. This intermediary switching mechanism enables flexible mode switching between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations, allowing the system to adapt to different driving conditions while maintaining a compact lateral layout.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle driving apparatus includes: (a) a power distribution device for distributing a power between a pair of front wheels and a pair of rear wheels; (b) a differential device for distributing the power between right and left wheels that constitute one of the pair of front wheels and the pair of rear wheels; and (c) a propeller shaft for transmitting the power to the other of the pair of front wheels and the pair of rear wheels. The power distribution device includes a first rotary element connected to a rotating machine, a second rotary element connected to the differential device and a third rotary element connected to the propeller shaft. The third rotary element and the propeller shaft are both connected to a power transmission member between the power distribution device and one of the right and left wheels in an axial direction of the power distribution device.