Magnetic-Electric Planetary Axle Drive for Compact Speed Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drive arrangements for working machines, particularly agricultural tractors, are structurally complex and less compact due to the need for multiple gearboxes and differential gears, especially when transitioning from internal combustion engines to electric power sources.

Innovation Solution

A drive arrangement featuring a magnetic-electric planetary gearbox integrated with a power machine, speed compensation device, and energy storage, allowing for direct torque transmission and speed adjustment without intermediate gearboxes, resulting in a more compact and efficient design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If multiple gearboxes and differential gears are used in drive arrangements for working machines, then speed control and torque transmission are achieved, but structural complexity increases and compactness decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural complexityVSAvoidspeed control capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple gearboxes and differential gears into a single integrated planetary gear unit. This magnetic-electric planetary gearbox merges the functions of speed control and torque transmission that were previously distributed across separate mechanical components, thereby reducing structural complexity while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The planetary gear unit serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a speed controller and a torque transmitter, and also functions as the differential mechanism. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function, resolving the contradiction between device complexity and adaptability.

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

2Volume of moving object

If multiple gearboxes and differential gears are used in drive arrangements, then speed control is achieved, but device compactness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice compactnessVSAvoidspeed adjustment capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

By merging multiple separate transmission stages into a single planetary gear unit, the patent achieves the same speed control and torque transmission functions in a more compact configuration. The integrated design eliminates the need for multiple separate gearboxes spaced throughout the drivetrain.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The planetary gear unit employs a nested structure where gears are arranged concentrically around a central sun gear. This nesting allows multiple gear ratios and transmission functions to be packed into a single compact volume, improving device compactness while maintaining speed adjustment capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Device complexity

If complex torque redirection mechanisms are used, then power transmission to multiple outputs is achieved, but structural simplicity is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidpower transmission efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The planetary gear unit merges the torque redirection function with the speed control function. The same planetary gears that provide variable speed ratios also inherently distribute torque to multiple outputs (drive shafts and PTO shaft), eliminating the need for separate torque redirection mechanisms and maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The planetary gear unit performs multiple functions simultaneously: speed control, torque transmission, and torque redirection to multiple outputs. This multi-functionality in a single component maintains structural simplicity while ensuring efficient power transmission to all required outputs.

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

The proposed drive arrangement achieves a structurally simpler and more compact design by eliminating the need for complex torque redirection mechanisms, enabling efficient power transmission and speed adjustment for electrically driven axles.

Implementation Method 1

magnetic-electric planetary gearbox, in particular a magnetic-electric planetary gearbox with an integrated electric machine

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4678444A1Drive assembly, axle and working machine
Publication Date: 2026.01.14 DEERE & CO
  • EP4678444A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4678444A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4678444A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a drive arrangement (22) for a working machine (10). The drive arrangement (22) comprises a power machine (40), a speed compensation device (44), a first power output, and a magnetic-electric planetary gear set (42), wherein the planetary gear set (42) is connected to the power machine (40) via a drive shaft (46). The planetary gear set (42) is arranged for adjusting and/or changing the speed of the first power output (32) and/or the speed compensation device (44). The invention further relates to an axle (100) and a working machine (10).