Rotatable Drive Axle Assembly Vertical Motor Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electric vehicle designs with horizontally positioned electric propulsion motors face inefficiencies in thermal management and suspension-related issues due to blocked air cooling paths and torque transmission, affecting driving range and vehicle stability.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable drive axle assembly that allows the electric propulsion motor to be oriented vertically and movable, enabling better air cooling and decoupling torque from the suspension system, thereby improving thermal management and reducing perceptible forces on the vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If electric propulsion motors are positioned horizontally in the same plane as drive wheels, then the motor mounting is simplified and torque transmission is direct, but air cooling paths are blocked by suspension and chassis components reducing thermal management efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the electric propulsion motor from a horizontal orientation in the same plane as the drive wheels to a vertical orientation above the drive axle. This dimensional change allows cooling air to flow directly from the front of the vehicle through the motor without being blocked by suspension and chassis components, thereby improving thermal management efficiency while maintaining straightforward torque transmission through the vertical drive axle connection
2Power
If electric propulsion motors are positioned horizontally with horizontal motor axes, then torque transmission is direct to the drive wheels, but torque forces act on the suspension system causing perceptible vibrations and harshness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent orients the motor axis vertically rather than horizontally, which changes the plane of torque application. The torque is now applied in a horizontal plane through the vertical drive axle, decoupling the motor torque forces from the vertical suspension system. This eliminates the transmission of torque-induced vibrations and harshness to the suspension while maintaining efficient power delivery to the drive wheels
3Device complexity
If electric propulsion motors are positioned horizontally, then the drivetrain layout is compact and simple, but cooling air intake paths are obstructed necessitating additional cooling systems
Solution Approach 1:
By positioning the motor vertically above the drive axle, the patent creates a compact drivetrain layout that maintains simplicity while enabling direct front-to-rear cooling air intake paths. The vertical positioning places the motor in an location where it does not obstruct the airflow path, eliminating the need for additional complex cooling systems while maintaining a compact overall drivetrain 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
Enhances vehicle efficiency, driving range, and reduces noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) by optimizing air cooling and torque distribution, leading to improved passenger comfort and vehicle stability.
Implementation Method 1
A direct path for air cooling is very desirable because an amount of air cooling is generally available when the EV is in motion
Data Source
AI summary
A rotatable drive axle assembly for an electric vehicle comprises a rotatable vehicle drive axle configured to be disposed along a transverse axis of an electric vehicle and having an axle end that is configured for attachment to a drive wheel. The rotatable drive axle assembly also comprises a selectively movable differential configured to be disposed on the rotatable vehicle drive axle and configured to operatively couple motive power of a selectively movable electric propulsion motor comprising a rotatable motor shaft rotatable about a motor axis to the rotatable vehicle drive axle and the drive wheel, the selectively movable electric propulsion motor and the motor axis configured to be oriented in a substantially vertical direction and movable with reference to the rotatable vehicle drive axle.