Motorized Wheel Hub Segmented Bell for High Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motorized wheel hubs face challenges in providing high torque and speed compatibility while being constrained by limited installation volume, especially in industrial vehicles, and require modular systems to accommodate different power electric motors.
Innovation Solution
A wheel hub design with a separable bell structure, where the electric motor is housed in a removable part, allowing for a larger diameter without oversized rims, and a modular system that supports different power motors, with the stator connected to the spindle and rotor connected to the transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the electric motor is housed inside a standard-sized wheel rim, then the rim dimensions remain standard, but the motor diameter is constrained and power/torque is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The bell is divided into two separable parts: a first part that remains fixed to the spindle and transmission, and a second part that houses the electric motor and can be removed independently. This segmentation allows the motor to have a larger diameter than the standard rim opening would permit, while the first part maintains compatibility with standard rim dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a purely radial arrangement (where motor diameter is constrained by rim width) to an axial arrangement (where motor length extends along the spindle axis). This dimensional change allows the motor to achieve greater power output through increased diameter without requiring oversized rims, as the additional motor volume is accommodated axially rather than radially.
2Power
If the electric motor is made with larger diameter for greater power, then power/torque increases, but the rim opening must be oversized
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the bell into removable parts, the motor-housing second part can extend beyond the standard rim opening dimensions without requiring the rim itself to be oversized. The first part maintains standard dimensions for rim compatibility, while the second part provides the additional motor volume needed for higher power output.
3Ease of repair
If the bell is made separable into two parts, then the electric motor can be removed for maintenance without disrupting the cooling circuit, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bell is segmented into a first part (fixed to spindle and transmission) and a second part (housing the motor that can be removed independently). This segmentation enables the motor to be accessed and maintained without removing the entire bell assembly, thereby simplifying maintenance procedures despite the increased structural complexity of having separable parts.
4Volume of stationary object
If the transmission and electric motor are arranged axially, then the volume utilization is optimized, but the motor diameter is still constrained by the rim opening
Solution Approach 1:
The separable bell structure allows the axial arrangement to be maintained for volume optimization, while the removable second part provides the additional diameter needed for higher power motors without requiring oversized rims.
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 high torque and speed compatibility within standard rim dimensions, facilitating modular motor replacement and maintenance without disrupting the cooling circuit, and allows for compact installation in industrial vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor (2) are arranged in a defined volume between the spindle (11) and the bell (6)
Implementation Method 2
a second portion of the stator operatively connected to a cooling circuit
Data Source
Figure 1a~2a
Figure 1b~2b
Figure 3a
AI summary
Motorized wheel hub (1) comprising a fixed longitudinal spindle (11) arranged to rotatably support a bell (6) arranged to support at least one vehicle wheel (W1, W2), in which between the spindle (11) and the bell (6) a volume is defined in which an electric motor (2) and a transmission (3) are housed in which the electric motor is arranged axially with respect to the transmission (3).