Modular Drive Module with Interchangeable Sub-Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing variety of transmission variants required for motor vehicle drive systems, particularly the need for modular designs that can accommodate different types of vehicles with varying gear requirements, from single-speed to multi-speed systems, without significant changes to individual parts.
Innovation Solution
A drive module with a permanently coupled drive shaft to an electric drive machine, featuring a coaxial spur gear transmission and a housing design with a concentric opening for the sub-transmission, allowing for interchangeable sub-transmissions and housing covers to accommodate different gear configurations, including a planetary gear set for multi-speed functionality, and integrated brake and clutch systems for shiftability and accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a modular drive module design is implemented to accommodate different transmission variants, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drive module is segmented into modular components: a common base module containing the electric drive machine and drive shaft, and interchangeable transmission modules (single-speed or multi-speed) that can be coupled to the base module. This segmentation allows different transmission variants to be used with the same base module, improving adaptability while managing complexity through standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The base module is designed with universal features that can accommodate multiple transmission types. The common housing, bearing points, and coupling mechanisms are designed to work with both single-speed and multi-speed transmissions, allowing one base module to serve multiple functions across different vehicle applications.
2Ease of manufacture
If individual parts are kept identical across different vehicle types, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the drive system into a common base module and interchangeable transmission modules, the design enables mass production of identical base modules and transmission modules for different vehicle applications, reducing manufacturing costs through economies of scale while maintaining adaptability through module selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission modules are designed to nest within or couple to the common base module housing. The standardized housing and mounting interfaces allow different transmission modules to be installed in the same space, enabling cost-effective production of identical base modules that can accommodate various transmission variants.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the opening in the housing part is made large enough to accommodate different sub-transmissions, then adaptability is improved, but structural integrity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is designed with locally optimized features: the opening area is sized and shaped to accommodate different transmission modules, while reinforcing ribs and structural elements are added in critical areas to maintain overall housing strength. This local quality approach allows the housing to be both adaptable and structurally sound.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a drive module (10a-d) for a motor vehicle (11a), having at least one drive machine (12a; 12b), having a drive shaft (13a-d) coupled to the drive machine (12a; 12b), having a drive gearwheel (14a-d) arranged rotationally conjointly on the drive shaft (13a-d), having an output shaft (15a-d), having an output gearwheel (16a-d) arranged rotationally conjointly on the output shaft (15a-d, 15d'), having a partial transmission (17a, 18a; 18b; 17c, 18c; 17d, 18d) which has a spur gear toothing by means of which the partial transmission (17a, 18a; 18b; 17c, 18c; 17d, 18d) is connected to the drive gearwheel (14a-d), and having a first housing part (19a; 19c; 19d) which has a first bearing point (20a-d) for a mounting of the output shaft (15a-d, 15d'), wherein the drive module (10a-d) has a housing cover (21a, 21a'; 21c, 21c'; 21d, 21d') which is formed separately from the first housing part (19a; 19c; 19d) and which has a second bearing point (22a, 22a'; 22c, 22c'; 22d, 22d') for a mounting of the output shaft (15a-d, 15d').