Offset Gearbox Layout for High-Clearance Electric AWD Drivetrains
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drive systems for electric vehicles, particularly off-road vehicles, do not effectively provide both increased ground clearance and a central drive for multiple axles with permanent or switchable all-wheel drive capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A drive unit design featuring an electric motor connected to a gearbox with input and output sides axially offset, a distribution unit with multiple outputs, and a differential gear system to distribute drive power to multiple axles, allowing for a compact and high-ground-clearance powertrain with all-wheel drive functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the transmission input and output sides are arranged coaxially, then the drive system structure is simple, but the ground clearance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a conventional coaxial transmission arrangement to an offset axial arrangement where the input and output sides of the transmission are positioned at different axial locations. This dimensional change allows the drive system to clear obstacles on the ground while maintaining structural connectivity, thereby increasing ground clearance without requiring completely separate input and output pathways.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a distribution unit with multiple outputs is added to achieve all-wheel drive, then the drive capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution unit is designed to serve multiple functions: it distributes power to multiple drive axles for all-wheel drive capability, while also accommodating the offset axial arrangement of the transmission. This multi-functional design allows a single component to handle both power distribution and spatial adaptation, reducing the need for additional separate mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the distribution unit with the offset transmission arrangement into an integrated drive system. The distribution unit is positioned to receive input from the transmission's input side and distribute to multiple outputs, merging the power distribution function with the spatial offset configuration into a unified structural solution.
3Reliability
If the transmission is positioned to provide ground clearance, then the off-road performance is improved, but the connection to drive axles becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution unit acts as an intermediary component between the offset transmission and the multiple drive axles. It receives the offset input from the transmission and provides standardized connection points for the drive axles, mediating the complex spatial relationship and simplifying the overall connection structure.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a drive device (7) for a motor vehicle drive train of an electric vehicle, comprising, as the drive machine, at least one electric machine (14), on the output side of which a downstream transmission (18) is connected. In the transmission (18), an input side (17) and an output side (19) are axially offset (27) in relation to one another, wherein the output side (19) of the transmission (18) is connected to a distributer device (25) that is paired with multiple outputs (9, 10), which in the motor vehicle drive train (2) each serve to connect one drive axle of the electric vehicle. In order to produce a drive device (7) that is suitable for an all-terrain electric vehicle, the output side (19) of the transmission (18) is positioned downwards in a vertical direction relative to the input side (17) of the transmission (18).