Offset Axle Drive With Power Electronics On Opposite Side
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing axle drives for motor vehicles are not compact and lack modularity, limiting their design flexibility and efficiency in driving multiple wheels or a single wheel.
Innovation Solution
The axle drive incorporates an intermediate shaft offset from the drive shaft, allowing power electronics to be placed on the opposite side, creating additional space and enabling a modular design with flexible configurations for driving multiple or single wheels, using a gear stage that can be either spur or bevel, and allowing for symmetrical or asymmetrical arrangements of drive units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If power electronics are integrated into the axle drive, then functionality is improved, but available space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates power electronics from the traditional radial space around the drive shaft to the axial dimension by positioning them on the opposite side of the drive shaft. This dimensional reorganization allows both the power electronics and drive shaft to coexist without spatial conflict, effectively resolving the space-f functionality contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediate shaft as a mediator component positioned between the drive shaft and power electronics. This intermediate shaft serves as a spatial buffer and functional connector, enabling the power electronics to be offset from the drive shaft while maintaining operational connectivity, thus resolving the space constraint issue.
2Volume of moving object
If an intermediate shaft is introduced to offset the drive shaft, then space for power electronics is created, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate shaft is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a spatial offset element to create room for power electronics, serves as a structural support component, and maintains the mechanical connection between the drive shaft and power transmission system. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering multiple benefits from a single component.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a modular axle drive design is implemented, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The axle drive is segmented into distinct modular components including the drive shaft assembly, power electronics module, intermediate shaft, and gear stage. These separable modules can be manufactured independently and assembled in different configurations, enabling adaptability while managing manufacturing complexity through standardized interfaces and processes.
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 results in a compact, modular axle drive that can efficiently drive multiple wheels or a single wheel, with power electronics integrated in a space-saving manner, enhancing design flexibility and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The drive shaft is coupled to the output shaft via a gear stage
Implementation Method 2
the drive shaft is coupled to the gear stage via an intermediate shaft that is offset relative to it
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to an axle drive (1) for a motor vehicle (2), comprising a drive unit (4) having a drive shaft (5), wherein the drive shaft (5) is coupled to an output shaft (10) of the axle drive (1) via a transmission stage (7). It is provided that the drive shaft (5) is coupled to the transmission stage (7) via an intermediate shaft (14) arranged offset from it, wherein the intermediate shaft (14) lies on a first side of an imaginary plane which accommodates an axis of rotation of the drive shaft (5), and wherein power electronics (18) are electrically connected to the drive unit (4) on a second side of the plane opposite the first side via terminals (19) arranged on the end face of the drive unit (4). The invention further relates to an axle drive device (20) for a motor vehicle (2).