Portal Box Gear Train Torque Multiplication
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Off-road vehicles face challenges when fitting larger tires, as lift kits alter CV joint angles, require new axles, and compromise steering geometry, while reducing final drive ratio, necessitating a more effective aftermarket solution for mounting oversize wheels.
Innovation Solution
A portal box system with a universal backing plate and torque-increasing gear train, adaptable to different vehicles, replaces original wheel hub assemblies, providing a cost-effective and versatile solution that maintains wheel torque and steering geometry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If a lift kit is installed to raise the vehicle body for larger tires, then ground clearance is increased, but CV joint angles are adversely affected and steering geometry is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The portal box system segments the wheel assembly function by introducing a separate gear train mechanism between the axle and wheel hub. This allows the suspension and steering geometry to be maintained at their original positions while the portal box provides the necessary height increase and torque multiplication, effectively decoupling the ground clearance function from the steering system.
Solution Approach 2:
The portal box acts as an intermediary mechanism between the axle and the wheel. It includes a gear train with an input gear connected to the axle and an output gear connected to the wheel hub, along with a carrier that provides the height increase. This intermediary structure allows torque multiplication and height adjustment without directly affecting the steering geometry.
2Length of moving object
If larger tires are fitted to increase agility, then tire size is increased, but final drive ratio is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The portal box gear train serves as a mechanical intermediary that compensates for the reduced final drive ratio caused by larger tires. The gear train with its specific gear ratios provides torque multiplication, effectively restoring the power delivery characteristics even though the larger tires reduce the original final drive ratio.
Solution Approach 2:
The portal box system changes the mechanical parameters of the drivetrain by introducing a gear train with specific gear ratios. This modifies the effective final drive ratio to compensate for the larger tire size, maintaining appropriate torque multiplication and power delivery characteristics.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a universal backing plate system is used to adapt to different vehicles, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The portal box system employs a universal backing plate design that can be adapted to multiple vehicle types and manufacturers. The same basic portal box housing and gear train assembly can be mounted on different vehicles by simply changing the mounting brackets, making the system multi-functional and highly adaptable without requiring complete redesign for each vehicle platform.
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 portal box system effectively lifts the chassis and increases wheel torque, allowing for the use of larger tires without compromising steering geometry, and is adaptable to various off-road vehicle manufacturers, offering a practical aftermarket solution.
Implementation Method 1
mounted a torque and height increasing gear train
Implementation Method 2
torque and height increasing gear train
Data Source
AI summary
A kit for raising and increasing wheel torque of an off road four wheel vehicle comprising four portal boxes, each portal box being associated with an individual one of the vehicle wheels, the portal boxes enclosing identical gear sets and associated bearings, each portal box being adapted to receive the output of an axle constant velocity joint and having an output shaft projecting therefrom, a set of four metal backing plates for joining the portal boxes to the suspension arms of the vehicle, the backing plates being substantially identical, the backing plates each having inwardly extending mounting brackets for attaching to upper and lower suspension arm parts.