Modular Hub Motor Attachment for Vehicle Propulsion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hub motor designs integrated with wheels are expensive, heavy, and require extensive knowledge to manipulate, making them impractical for user-driven reconfiguration and maintenance without specialized facilities.
Innovation Solution
A modular hub motor system that allows selective attachment and detachment without removing the wheel, featuring a rotor and stator configuration that can be accessed externally for easy service and upgrade, with a power delivery system that automatically manages power distribution between hub motors and a central propulsion system based on vehicle configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If hub motors are integrated with wheels in present configurations, then propulsion performance is improved, but the assembly becomes expensive and heavy, and manipulation requires extensive knowledge and dedicated service facilities
Solution Approach 1:
The hub motor assembly is segmented into separable components that can be independently manipulated. The motor assembly can be detached from the wheel assembly, allowing users to service or replace motor components without removing the entire wheel, thus improving ease of operation while maintaining propulsion performance
Solution Approach 2:
The hub motor is extracted as a separate, removable component from the wheel assembly. This extraction allows the motor to be serviced, replaced, or reconfigured independently, eliminating the need for dedicated service facilities and extensive technical knowledge while preserving the integrated propulsion capability
2Power
If hub motors are integrated with wheels in present configurations, then propulsion performance is improved, but the assembly becomes expensive and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the hub motor from the wheel assembly, the system allows selective attachment of motor components only when needed. This reduces the effective weight of the moving object during non-propulsion phases while maintaining full propulsion capability when the motor is attached
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables dynamic changes in the mass parameter of the vehicle by allowing attachment and detachment of hub motor components. This parameter change optimizes the weight-to-power ratio, reducing weight during normal operation while maintaining propulsion performance when power is required
3Power
If hub motors are integrated with wheels in present configurations, then propulsion performance is improved, but the assembly becomes expensive and requires dedicated service facilities
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented design allows standard motor components to be used rather than custom-integrated units, simplifying manufacturing and service processes. Common motor parts can be replaced using standard procedures and facilities, reducing the need for specialized service centers
Solution Approach 2:
The hub motor is designed with universal, standardized interfaces that allow it to be serviced using general automotive repair facilities and techniques. This multi-functionality approach enables the same service infrastructure to handle both traditional wheel services and hub motor maintenance, reducing overall system cost
4Ease of operation
If the location of the hub motor is toward the outside of the wheel, then access to components is facilitated, but the structural integration is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The segmentation of the motor from the wheel allows the motor to be positioned for optimal accessibility while the connection interface maintains structural integrity. The separable design enables the motor to be located where it can be easily accessed without compromising the strength of the wheel-motor connection when attached
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 users to reconfigure propulsion strategies by attaching or detaching hub motors without professional assistance, reducing maintenance costs and improving vehicle performance by optimizing power delivery for various driving conditions.
Implementation Method 1
hub motors, i.e., electric motors directly integrated onto the wheels
Implementation Method 2
manage power delivery to the hub motors and the central propulsion system
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and other embodiments described herein relate to improving propulsion of a vehicle. In one embodiment, a method includes, in response to detecting a vehicle configuration associated with an arrangement of a set of hub motors that are selectively attachable on driven wheels of the vehicle, loading a control setting according to the arrangement to one of a series configuration and a parallel configuration to indicate a power source for the driven wheels as one or more of a motor of the set of hub motors and a central propulsion system. The set of hub motors is structured to be selectively attached to the driven wheels without removing the driven wheels from the vehicle. The method includes managing power delivery to the set of hub motors and the central propulsion system of the vehicle to propel the vehicle according to the control setting.