Removable Wheel Assembly for Multimodal Powertrain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrified powertrains in vehicles face inefficiencies across different speed conditions, and multi-modal transportation systems encounter packaging constraints when carrying electrically assisted bicycles, leading to increased costs and space issues.
Innovation Solution
A multimodal transportation system that includes a drive unit with removably supported wheel assemblies, which can be shared between a vehicle and a bicycle, featuring a spindle system with alignment and electrical connectors for efficient mounting and operation, allowing the wheel assembly to be used on both modes of transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If dedicated bicycle wheels are included in multi-modal transportation systems, then the bicycle can be used for the second portion of the journey, but packaging constraints within the vehicle increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel assembly is designed to serve dual functions: it can be mounted on the vehicle during the first portion of the journey and then transferred to the bicycle for the second portion. The universal mounting interface allows the same wheel assembly to be used on both the vehicle and the bicycle, eliminating the need for separate dedicated bicycle wheels and reducing packaging constraints within the vehicle.
2Use of energy by moving object
If electrified powertrains are optimized for highway speeds, then efficiency at highway speeds increases, but efficiency for low speed driving decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows dynamic reconfiguration of the powertrain by transferring the wheel assembly between the vehicle and bicycle. The electrified powertrain can be optimized for highway speeds when mounted on the vehicle, and then the same powertrain can be used on the bicycle for low-speed urban transportation, adapting to different operating conditions without requiring separate optimized systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A drive unit for a vehicle includes a drive unit spindle. The drive unit spindle extends along an axis for connecting the drive unit to the vehicle. The drive unit further includes one or more wheel assemblies. Each of the wheel assemblies has a hub that is removably supported by the spindle along the axis. At least one of the wheel assemblies includes a wheel which rotates about the hub and a motor connected to the wheel to rotate the wheel about the hub.