Modular Hub Motors for Vehicle Propulsion Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hub motor systems integrated with wheels are expensive, heavy, and require extensive knowledge and specialized facilities for maintenance and reconfiguration, limiting user flexibility and accessibility.
Innovation Solution
The development of modular hub motors that can be attached or detached without removing the wheel, combined with a power delivery system that automatically manages electrical power based on detected changes in hub motor configurations, allowing users to reconfigure propulsion strategies without professional assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hub motors are integrated with wheels in present configurations, then propulsion function is achieved, but the assembly becomes expensive and heavy, and manipulation requires extensive knowledge and dedicated service facilities
Solution Approach 1:
The hub motor assembly is divided into separable components: the hub motor unit and the wheel assembly. The hub motor can be detached from the wheel without removing the wheel from the vehicle, enabling user-friendly reconfiguration. This segmentation allows the propulsion system to maintain reliability while significantly improving ease of operation and reducing service requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If hub motors are integrated with wheels, then independent wheel control and torque response are improved, but the hub motor/wheel assembly becomes expensive and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables dynamic reconfiguration of the hub motor arrangement, allowing users to attach or detach hub motors based on propulsion needs. This dynamic capability maintains the adaptability and independent wheel control benefits while reducing the permanent weight burden, as hub motors can be removed when not needed for specific driving conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If hub motors are selectively attachable without removing wheels, then user reconfiguration capability is improved, but power delivery management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power delivery system automatically detects changes in hub motor configuration and self-adjusts power distribution without requiring manual intervention or complex user calibration. This self-service capability maintains high reconfiguration adaptability while managing power delivery complexity through automated detection and adaptation, eliminating the need for user-calibrated control systems.
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 change in a wheel configuration associated with modifying an arrangement of hub motors that are selectively attachable on wheels of the vehicle, identifying attributes of the hub motors coupled with the wheels of the vehicle. The hub motors are structured to be attached to the wheels of the vehicle without removing the wheels from the vehicle. The method includes determining properties of the hub motors according to the attributes and the wheel configuration. Further, the method includes managing electrical power delivery to the hub motors to propel the vehicle according to the properties.