Longitudinal Distribution Gearbox for Compact Two-Axle Drive

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drive systems for construction machinery with single traction motors require complex power distribution systems that occupy large installation spaces when driving both front and rear axles.

Innovation Solution

A drive device with a longitudinal distribution gearbox that divides power between two output shafts for the front and rear axles, utilizing a traction motor and a modular design that can be compact and simple, allowing for adjustable or fixed gear ratios and differential functions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If a single traction motor is used to drive both front and rear axles, then the number of motors is reduced, but the power distribution system becomes technically complex and requires large installation space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of traction motorsVSAvoidpower distribution system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the functions of multiple motors into a single traction motor by integrating a power distribution system that includes a longitudinal distribution gearbox. This gearbox divides the drive power from one motor between two output shafts, allowing a single motor to drive both front and rear axles while maintaining system functionality and reducing overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The longitudinal distribution gearbox serves multiple functions: it distributes power to multiple axles, provides differential motion capability, and enables variable gear ratios. This multi-functional component allows a single traction motor to perform the work of multiple motors while adding versatility to the drive system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Volume of moving object

If a single traction motor drives both front and rear axles, then installation space is reduced, but the power distribution system becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation spaceVSAvoidpower distribution system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the power distribution function with the differential function into a single longitudinal distribution gearbox. This integration reduces the number of separate components and their associated mounting spaces, thereby reducing overall installation volume while managing system complexity through functional consolidation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The design nests multiple functional elements within the longitudinal distribution gearbox structure. The gearbox contains gear mechanisms for power distribution and differential mechanisms for axle motion variation, all housed within a single compact unit that minimizes installation space requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Volume of moving object

If a longitudinal distribution gearbox is used to divide power between two output shafts, then installation space is minimized, but the gearbox design becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation spaceVSAvoidgearbox design complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The longitudinal distribution gearbox is segmented into distinct functional modules: a first gear mechanism for power distribution to the first output shaft, a second gear mechanism for power distribution to the second output shaft, and a differential mechanism. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently while maintaining overall compactness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a longitudinal arrangement of gear mechanisms and shafts, utilizing the longitudinal dimension to minimize the radial footprint of the gearbox. By arranging components along the longitudinal axis rather than spreading them radially, the design achieves compact installation space while managing internal complexity through three-dimensional spatial organization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP4678447A1Drive device of a working machine, drive train and working machine
Publication Date: 2026.01.14 ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
  • EP4678447A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4678447A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4678447A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention relates to a drive device for a working machine (10) comprising a traction motor (18) designed as an electric machine (90) and a longitudinal distribution gearbox (20) with a first and second output shaft (26, 28) for driving a corresponding axle assembly (14, 16) of the working machine (10). The drive device is designed to transmit drive power from the traction motor (18) via the longitudinal distribution gearbox (20) to the two output shafts (26, 28). The two output shafts (26, 28) are arranged coaxially to each other and parallel to the axis of the traction motor (18). The invention also relates to a drive train and a working machine.