Planetary Gear Drive Axle Locking Device for Electric Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric locking differential mechanisms are complex, large, and inefficient when applied to new energy vehicles with distributed drive modes, as they waste the differential function and are not suitable for electric vehicles without an engine.
Innovation Solution
A drive shaft locking device using a planetary gear mechanism with a power joint device and electromagnetic brake, allowing the first and second drive shafts to be locked synchronously, improving mobility on slippery roads with a simple, compact, and cost-effective design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional electric locking differential mechanism is applied to a new energy vehicle with distributed drive mode, then the locking function can be achieved, but the structure becomes complicated with more parts and occupies larger space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the locking mechanism directly into the planetary gear mechanism by utilizing the existing planetary gears, sun gear, and ring gear to achieve both differential and locking functions. The locking is accomplished by controlling the engagement between planetary gears and the ring gear, eliminating the need for separate locking components found in conventional electric locking differentials.
Solution Approach 2:
The planetary gear mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides differential action during normal operation and simultaneously serves as the locking mechanism when needed. The same planetary gears that enable speed differentiation also provide the locking function through controlled engagement, making the system multi-functional and reducing overall complexity.
2Reliability
If a conventional electric locking differential mechanism is applied, then the locking function can be achieved, but it occupies larger space
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is merged with the planetary gear structure, using the existing planetary gears, sun gear, and ring gear to achieve locking without adding separate locking components. This integration significantly reduces the overall volume compared to conventional electric locking differentials that require additional locking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is nested within the planetary gear structure, with the planetary gears positioned inside the ring gear and the sun gear at the center. This nested arrangement maximizes space utilization and minimizes the overall volume of the differential mechanism.
3Reliability
If a conventional electric locking differential mechanism is applied, then the locking function can be achieved, but the differential function is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between differential mode and locking mode based on driving conditions. During normal operation, the planetary gears freely rotate relative to the ring gear, providing differential action. When locking is needed, the system controls the engagement between planetary gears and the ring gear to achieve locking, allowing both functions to be utilized effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The planetary gear mechanism universally provides both differential and locking functions. The same mechanical components enable speed differentiation during normal driving and locked operation during slippery conditions, ensuring the differential function is not wasted but rather integrated with the locking capability.
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
Enhances vehicle mobility on slippery surfaces by synchronously locking the drive shafts, maintaining a simple structure, reducing parts and size, and utilizing an electromagnetic brake for precise control, thus overcoming the limitations of conventional electric locking differential mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
the drive part comprises a following part, wherein the following part can rotate along with the drive needle, and the following part can be braked. The following part is provided with a drive surface. When the following part is braked, the drive surface drives the drive needle to move along the axial direction by sliding the drive needle on the drive surface
Data Source
AI summary
The present specification discloses a drive shaft locking device, a power-driven system, and a vehicle. The drive shaft locking device comprises a planetary gear mechanism comprising a sun gear, a planetary gear, a planetary carrier, and a gear ring. A first drive shaft is connected with one of the sun gear, the planetary carrier, and the gear ring, and a second drive shaft is connected with another one of the sun gear, the planetary carrier, and the gear ring. A power joint device comprises a first joint part and a second joint part. The first drive shaft and the first joint part synchronously rotate, and the second drive shaft and the second joint part synchronously rotate. A joint part drive comprises a drive part to drive a drive needle for joining the second joint part with the first joint part along the axial direction.