Power Unit Vertical Minimization via Belt Transmission Layout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multi-wheel drive vehicle power units face challenges in minimizing vertical length while maintaining sufficient ground clearance and stability, as they require a long vertical length to ensure ground clearance, which restricts free layout space and raises the vehicle's center of gravity, and reducing the gap between transmission input and output shafts complicates the mechanism.
Innovation Solution
The power unit design includes an engine with an output shaft and a second transmission with input and output shafts, where the transmission output shaft extends through the belt transmission between pulleys, reducing the vertical gap between output and input shafts, allowing for vertical minimization without complicating the second transmission, and ensuring sufficient horizontal gap for simplified structure and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the vertical gap between transmission input and output shafts is reduced to minimize vertical length, then the power unit achieves vertical minimization, but the mechanism of the second transmission becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spatial arrangement from a vertical configuration to a horizontal configuration. The transmission input and output shafts are arranged horizontally with sufficient lateral gap, allowing the belt transmission to be positioned between them horizontally rather than vertically. This dimensional change enables vertical minimization of the power unit without complicating the transmission mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a belt transmission system that provides flexible and dynamic power transmission between the input and output shafts. The belt can accommodate the horizontal arrangement and allows for easy adjustment and maintenance, avoiding the complexity that would arise from rigid mechanical connections in a compact vertical space.
2Area of moving object
If the belt transmission is disposed between the engine and second transmission laterally, then lateral minimization is achieved, but the vertical length increases requiring more ground clearance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the belt transmission from a lateral arrangement to a horizontal arrangement between the engine output shaft and transmission input shaft. This allows the power unit to maintain compact lateral dimensions while achieving vertical minimization through the horizontal shaft arrangement, resolving the contradiction between lateral and vertical compactness.
3Length of moving object
If the transmission output shaft is positioned to overlap the belt transmission vertically, then vertical length is minimized, but the lateral arrangement becomes restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the transmission output shaft horizontally adjacent to the belt transmission rather than vertically overlapping it. This horizontal positioning provides flexibility for lateral arrangement and routing of drive shafts to front and rear axles, while the overall power unit height is minimized through this alternative spatial configuration.
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 design allows for vertical minimization of the power unit, maintaining lateral minimization, ensuring sufficient free layout space and ground clearance, and simplifying the second transmission structure, thereby enhancing vehicle stability and ease of maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a belt transmission (7) driven by the engine (6)
Data Source
AI summary
A power unit includes an engine, a belt transmission driven by the engine, and a second transmission driven by the belt transmission. The engine includes an engine output shaft having an end portion projecting outward from the engine. The second transmission includes a transmission input shaft and a transmission output shaft having respective end portions projecting outward from the second transmission. The belt transmission includes a drive pulley provided on the end portion of the engine output shaft, a driven pulley provided on the end portion of the transmission input shaft, and a belt looped over the drive and driven pulleys. The belt has first and second portions between the drive and driven pulleys. The first portion runs from the drive pulley to the driven pulley. The second portion runs from the driven pulley to the drive pulley. The end portion of the transmission output shaft is extended through a portion of the belt transmission between the drive and driven pulleys and between the first and second portions of the belt so as to project outward from the belt transmission.