Rear-Side Brake Layout for Serviceable Mobile Work Drivetrains

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drive trains in mobile work machines face challenges with serviceability, heat dissipation, and energy efficiency due to integrated brakes, particularly in electrified vehicles, which result in increased friction losses and temperature rise.

Innovation Solution

A drive train design with a transmission on one side of the electric drive motor and a brake on the opposite side, connected by a main shaft, allowing for a modular and compact arrangement with improved cooling and optimized oil levels, using a hydraulically actuated multi-disk brake or electromagnetically actuated brake.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the brake is integrated into the transmission, then the installation space requirement is reduced, but the serviceability of the brake deteriorates and heat dissipation becomes less effective

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation spaceVSAvoidserviceability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The drivetrain is segmented into distinct functional modules: the transmission unit and the brake unit are separated and arranged on opposite sides of the drive motor. This segmentation allows each component to be independently accessed for maintenance while maintaining a compact overall layout through the shared central motor structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Volume of moving object

If the brake is integrated into the transmission, then the installation space requirement is reduced, but the heat dissipation efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation spaceVSAvoidheat dissipation
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The brake unit is extracted from the transmission assembly and positioned as a separate component on the opposite side of the drive motor. This extraction eliminates heat transfer from the brake to the transmission lubricant and enables independent thermal management of each subsystem.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Volume of moving object

If the drive motor speed is increased to make it more compact, then the installation space is reduced, but the friction losses and temperature rise increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation spaceVSAvoidfriction losses
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically balances motor speed and component layout: the drive motor operates at optimized speeds to minimize friction losses, while the separated brake-transmission arrangement on opposite sides of the motor allows each component to operate in its optimal thermal and mechanical conditions, preventing excessive temperature rise despite high-speed operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 cooling efficiency, simplifies maintenance, reduces friction losses, and optimizes oil volume, resulting in improved energy efficiency and reduced temperature sensitivity, while enabling a modular and cost-effective drivetrain.

Implementation Method 1

high speeds in the transmission and especially in the integrated brake generate high speed-dependent losses

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

Heat from the brake can also be transferred into the transmission lubricant

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP4574536A1Drive train with brake located on the rear side
Publication Date: 2025.06.25 PULSGETRIEBE GEAR SYSTEMS GMBH
  • EP4574536A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4574536A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4574536A1 patent drawingFigure 4a~4b

AI summary

The present invention relates to a drive train (12) for a mobile work machine (10), comprising: a transmission (24) with at least one gear stage; an electric drive motor (22) for providing drive power for the mobile work machine; and a brake (26) for braking the mobile work machine; wherein the drive train has a main shaft (34) which is drivingly connected to the electric drive motor, the transmission, and the brake; the transmission is arranged on a first side of the electric drive motor; the brake is arranged on a side of the electric drive motor opposite the first side; and the brake (26) comprises a hydraulically actuated multi-disk brake; a disc brake; an electromagnetically actuated brake; or a pawl. The present invention further relates to a mobile work machine.