Off-Axis Electric Traction Axle Layout for Compact Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing e-axles/e-beams have bulky electric machines that limit the positioning of other functional elements, leading to increased longitudinal dimensions and reduced power and performance due to the need to resize transmission components.
Innovation Solution
An electric traction axle/beam with an off-axis configuration, where the electric machine is coaxial with the drive shafts and differential, while other transmission elements are parallel and spaced, allowing for reduced longitudinal dimensions without compromising torque and power delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the electric machine is positioned in a coaxial configuration with the drive shafts, then the mounting is simplified and direct torque exchange is enabled, but the longitudinal dimensions of the axle are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a traditional coaxial arrangement to an off-axis configuration where the electric machine's axis is parallel to but offset from the drive shafts' axis. This dimensional change allows the electric machine to be positioned laterally rather than longitudinally, reducing the axle's length while maintaining the direct torque exchange capability through appropriate transmission element positioning.
2Ease of operation
If the longitudinal size of the axle is increased to accommodate the electric machine, then the positioning of functional elements is facilitated, but the overall dimensions are increased and power delivery is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By repositioning the electric machine off-axis and utilizing lateral space rather than longitudinal space, the patent enables adequate positioning of transmission elements without increasing the axle's length. This maintains the full power and torque delivery capability of the electric machine while providing sufficient space for functional elements through optimized spatial arrangement.
3Length of moving object
If the transmission components are resized to fit within the limited longitudinal space, then the overall dimensions are reduced, but the power and performance available at the axle are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The off-axis configuration creates additional lateral space that allows transmission components to be positioned without longitudinal compression. This enables the transmission elements to maintain their full size and capacity, preserving the electric machine's complete power and torque output while achieving reduced longitudinal dimensions through the alternative spatial arrangement.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
An electric traction axle/beam, e-axle/e-beam, (1) for a vehicle, comprising at least one electric machine (2), a pair of drive shafts (4', 4''), each connected to a respective wheel of the vehicle, and a transmission chain operationally connecting the electric machine (2) to the pair of drive shafts (4', 4''), the transmission chain comprising, operationally interposed in series between a first transfer system (5), at least one speed ratio change system (6), a second transfer system (7), a third transfer system (13) and a differential group (8), the drive shafts (4', 4'') being coaxial to a longitudinal axis (A) of the axle (1), the electric machine (2) insisting on an axis (A) parallel and distinct from the longitudinal axis (B), said electric machine (2) being carried by one of said drive shafts (4', 4'').