Rigid Axle Offset Transmission Layout for In-Wheel Electric Motors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric-motor-driven rigid axles for vehicles face challenges in optimizing space usage within a vehicle's existing fitting space, often requiring structural modifications to accommodate electric motors and maintain sufficient ground clearance and compression travel.
Innovation Solution
The design features an electric-motor-driven rigid axle with offset transmissions that allow for a diagonal offset of electric motors relative to the wheel axis, enabling efficient use of space without structural adaptations, while maintaining ground clearance and allowing for the use of standard components like wheel brakes and suspension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electric motors are integrated into the rigid axle, then the vehicle gains electric drive capability, but the space occupation increases and structural modifications are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electric motor, offset transmission, and wheel carrier into a single integrated assembly that mounts directly to the existing axle body. This combining of multiple components into one unit reduces the total space required compared to adding separate components, while still providing full electric drive capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The offset transmission arrangement positions the motor shaft parallel to but offset from the wheel axis, creating a diagonal spatial relationship. This dimensional arrangement allows the motor to be positioned in available space without requiring direct alignment with the wheel axis, thereby reducing space occupation while maintaining drive functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electric motors are added to the rigid axle, then electric drive function is achieved, but structural adaptations of the vehicle are required
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated assembly design with offset transmissions is created to be universally compatible with conventional rigid axles. The mounting interface and overall configuration allow this electric drive unit to be installed on existing axles without requiring vehicle-specific structural modifications, making the solution applicable across multiple vehicle platforms.
Solution Approach 2:
The offset transmission uses an asymmetric arrangement where the motor shaft is deliberately positioned offset from the wheel axis rather than coaxially aligned. This asymmetric configuration allows the motor to be mounted in a position that fits within the existing axle structure, eliminating the need for symmetric structural adaptations.
3Volume of moving object
If the motor shaft is offset from the wheel axis, then space usage is optimized, but ground clearance and compression travel must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The offset transmission is positioned at a specific location on the axle where the diagonal offset arrangement does not interfere with the wheel's ground clearance or compression travel. By locally optimizing the motor position rather than using a uniform arrangement, the design achieves space efficiency while preserving the necessary geometric clearances for vehicle operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An electric-motor-driven rigid axle for vehicles. The axle has a body with wheel carriers and points for attachment to a vehicle frame such that, in a cross-section, an upper end of the body faces the frame and a body axis forms a vertical axis extending toward the upper end and intersecting the wheel axis. The axle has electric motors and offset transmissions. The motors drive respective carriers. The transmissions are respectively interposed between the associated motor and carrier. The transmissions enable the shafts of the respective motors to be offset from the wheel axis. The transmissions are arranged such that, in the cross-sectional view, the motor shafts and the wheel axis form intersection points on an offset line which is at an angle of between 1 and 90 degrees to the vertical axis and the vertex is at an intersection point between the wheel axis and the offset line.