Multi-Bar Linkage Wheel Drive for Transverse Hub Motion Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electric motor drive systems for vehicles with two degrees of freedom, allowing both rotational and translational movement, are limited in their ability to efficiently control the movement of wheels in a direction transverse to the rotational axis, particularly in achieving precise control and active suspension functions.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a multi-bar linkage mechanism, such as a Watt's linkage, in conjunction with axial flux motors and a hub assembly, allows for the rotational axis of the hub assembly to move along a defined path transverse to the rotational axis, enabling both rotational and translational movement of the wheel through relative rotation of the motor components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If Lorentz-force linear actuators with cam followers and cam assembly are used to achieve two degrees of freedom, then rotational and translational movement can be produced, but the device complexity increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetwo degrees of freedom capabilityVSAvoidactuator and converter mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into three independently rotatable assemblies (hub assembly, first rotating assembly, second rotating assembly) that can rotate independently about the same axis. This segmentation allows each assembly to be controlled separately to produce the two degrees of freedom, simplifying the overall control mechanism while maintaining the capability for both rotational and translational movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces a third rotational dimension by adding the second rotating assembly that can rotate independently about the same axis as the hub assembly. This additional rotational degree of freedom, when combined with the first rotating assembly's motion, enables the hub assembly to achieve both rotational and translational movement through multi-dimensional rotational coordination, avoiding complex linear actuators and cam mechanisms.

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

2Speed

If opposed linear actuators are used to move cam followers towards or away from each other, then wheel rotation is achieved, but the control precision for transverse movement is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewheel rotation speedVSAvoidtransverse movement control precision
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates sensors that detect the positions and orientations of the rotating assemblies, providing feedback to the control system. This feedback enables precise control of the hub assembly's transverse movement by continuously monitoring and adjusting the rotational positions of the first and second rotating assemblies, achieving high measurement precision for active suspension control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses dynamically controllable rotational assemblies that can adjust their rotational speeds and directions in real-time. By dynamically coordinating the rotation of the first and second rotating assemblies, the system achieves precise control over the hub assembly's transverse position, enabling responsive active suspension adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple independently movable units are used to impart torque to the propulsive element, then mobility is enhanced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemobility control capabilityVSAvoidmotor unit and linkage complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges multiple rotational functions into a compact configuration where the hub assembly, first rotating assembly, and second rotating assembly share a common rotational axis. This merging of rotational functions around a single axis simplifies the mechanical structure compared to using multiple separately positioned motor units, while still achieving enhanced mobility control through coordinated rotation of the assemblies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Each rotating assembly serves multiple functions: the hub assembly provides both rotational propulsion and transverse movement capability, while the first and second rotating assemblies work together to control both the magnitude and direction of transverse movement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated mechanisms, simplifying the overall device structure.

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

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

This solution provides a vehicle with enhanced mobility and active suspension capabilities, allowing for precise control of wheel movement and improved vehicle stability by enabling simultaneous rotational and translational motion, thus addressing the limitations of existing systems.

Implementation Method 1

The wheel assembly may include two axial flux motors, a multi-bar linkage system... capable of producing rotational movement of the wheel and translational movement of the wheel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentEP3513484B1Multi-bar linkage electric drive system
Publication Date: 2024.05.15 INDIGO TECHNOLOGIES INC
  • EP3513484B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3513484B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3513484B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~4D

AI summary

An electric drive system including: a rotary motor system including a hub assembly, a first rotating assembly, a second rotating assembly, and a third rotating assembly, wherein the hub assembly defines a rotational axis about which the first rotating assembly, the second rotating assembly, and the third rotating assembly are coaxially aligned and are capable of independent rotational movement independent of each other; a multi-bar linkage mechanism connected to each of the first and third rotating assemblies and connected to the hub assembly and constraining movement of the hub assembly so that the rotational axis of the hub assembly moves along a defined path that is in a transverse direction relative to the rotational axis and wherein the multi-bar linkage mechanism causes the rotational axis of the hub assembly to translate along the defined path in response to relative rotation of the first rotating assembly and the third rotating assembly with respect to each other.