Multi-Wheel EV Driveline Layout for Traction and Drag Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electric vehicles face inefficiencies in energy consumption due to drag created by wide tires during cruising speeds, which reduces range and increases energy expenditure, and existing systems lack effective mechanisms to convert deceleration energy into stored energy.
Innovation Solution
The EV driveline features additional wheels between corner wheels for enhanced traction and drag reduction, independent suspension for terrain adaptation, and a regenerative braking system that converts braking energy into stored energy, with electric motors capable of generating power during coasting, and variable wheel sizes for optimal performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If wide tires are used for good traction during acceleration and deceleration, then traction is improved, but drag increases during cruising speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle uses multiple sets of wheels (at least two, preferably three or more) that can be independently controlled. During acceleration and deceleration, multiple wheels provide enhanced traction. During cruising, only necessary wheels remain in contact with the ground, reducing drag. This segmentation of wheel functions resolves the contradiction between needing wide tires for traction and avoiding drag during cruising.
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension system allows wheels to be dynamically raised and lowered based on vehicle operating conditions. Wheels transition between contact and non-contact states with the ground, enabling the vehicle to optimize traction when needed and minimize drag during cruising. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by making the wheel configuration adaptable to different driving phases.
2Force
If additional wheels are added to provide friction for acceleration and deceleration, then traction is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each wheel assembly serves multiple functions: providing traction during acceleration/deceleration, reducing drag during cruising, and contributing to regenerative braking. The same wheel structure is used throughout, varying only in contact state with the ground. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity despite having multiple wheels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of propulsion, braking, and drag reduction into a single wheel-suspension system. The electric motors integrated with the wheels handle both drive and regenerative braking functions. This merging of functions into unified components reduces the need for separate systems and reduces overall device complexity.
3Loss of energy
If regenerative braking system is implemented to convert deceleration energy into stored energy, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electric motors automatically function as generators during deceleration without requiring a separate mechanical braking system. The system self-regulates by converting kinetic energy to electrical energy that charges the battery. This self-service approach eliminates the need for complex separate regenerative braking components while achieving energy recovery.
Solution Approach 2:
The electric motors serve dual functions: providing propulsion during acceleration and generating electricity during deceleration. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate braking motors or generators, reducing device complexity while enabling energy recovery. The same component handles both drive and regenerative braking functions.
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 configuration reduces energy consumption by minimizing drag, increases range per charge, and optimizes traction and braking efficiency, while maintaining vehicle stability on uneven terrain and reducing brake wear.
Implementation Method 1
The electric motor will act as a generator whenever not consuming power. That means that every time the car is coasting down a hill or coming to a stop, the motor will become a generator and feed additional energy to the energy storage.
Implementation Method 2
The braking system will use a regenerative braking system to allow for generating the energy used to stop the vehicle into stored energy.
Implementation Method 3
At least one additional wheel will provide additional friction to aid in acceleration and deceleration.
Data Source
AI summary
This invention is designed to improve the efficiency of modern electric vehicles. This EV driveline will increase the range an electric vehicle can travel per charge. The new EV driveline is comprised of narrow and/or smaller diameter wheels that will greatly reduce drag while driving at cruising speeds. Layout of said wheels will be similar to current vehicles, with wheels on each corner of the vehicle, but can have an extra wheel placed between the front and/or back sets of wheels or possibly in the center of the vehicle.Extra wheels provide additional friction for gaining speed as well as additional braking power. The number of wheels in the driveline will depend on the users desired acceleration and/or deceleration rate. The extra wheels can be wider, to provide additional friction, or thinner for less drag.Currently, with internal combustion engines, refueling stations are abundant and refueling only takes moments. With electric vehicles, charging stations are not nearly as abundant and refueling takes hours. This invention will greatly increase the range of modern electric vehicles.