Torque Vectoring Planetary Layout for Compact Differential Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing torque vectoring devices for vehicles require significant physical space, are complex, and have a high number of components, limiting their applicability and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A torque vectoring device comprising an electrical motor connected to a differential mechanism via two planetary gear sets with a common ring wheel, where the rotational axes of these gear sets are arranged remotely from the output shaft, reducing physical space and complexity by using toothed gearing or belt/chain drives for efficient power transfer and allowing for a wide range of gear ratios, and incorporating reduction gears for improved control and accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional torque vectoring devices are used, then torque distribution control is achieved, but the device occupies significant physical space and has high complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveapplicabilityVSAvoidcomplexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges two planetary gear sets into a compact arrangement where they share a common ring wheel and are positioned at remote rotational axes. This integration reduces the overall number of separate components and simplifies the device structure while maintaining the torque vectoring function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The two planetary gear sets are nested within a shared housing structure, with the common ring wheel serving as a shared component. This nesting approach minimizes the physical footprint and reduces the number of separate assemblies required, thereby reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional torque vectoring devices are used, then torque distribution control is achieved, but the physical space required is large

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveapplicabilityVSAvoidphysical space
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions the two planetary gear sets at remote rotational axes that are offset from the output shaft axis, creating a three-dimensional arrangement that efficiently utilizes available space. This spatial configuration reduces the longitudinal dimension of the device while maintaining functional requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

By sharing a common ring wheel between the two planetary gear sets and integrating them into a unified housing, the device reduces its overall volume. The merged structure eliminates redundant components and minimizes the space required for mounting and operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If the number of gear engagements is increased, then torque control precision is improved, but device efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol accuracyVSAvoidefficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts unnecessary intermediate gear engagements from the power transmission path. By using the planetary gear sets directly connected to the motor shaft and output shaft, the design minimizes the number of meshing interfaces, thereby reducing energy losses while maintaining adequate control precision through the inherent mechanical advantage of the planetary configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

The solution reduces the physical space and complexity of the device, increasing its applicability and efficiency, enabling it to be fitted into a variety of vehicles while providing improved driving characteristics and safety through precise torque control.

Implementation Method 1

an electrical motor (110) being connected to a differential mechanism (20) via a first planetary gear set (120) and a second planetary gear set (130), wherein the planetary gear sets (120, 130) share a common ring wheel (126)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPlanetary gear mechanism: Gear

Data Source

PatentUS11293536B2Torque vectoring device
Publication Date: 2022.04.05 BORGWARNER SWEDEN AB
  • US11293536B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A torque vectoring device for a vehicle is provided, comprising an electrical motor (110) being connected to a differential mechanism (20) via a first planetary gear set (120) and a second planetary gear set (130), said planetary gear sets (120, 130) sharing a common ring wheel (126), wherein the first planetary gear set (120) is connecting the electrical motor (110) to a cage (22) of the differential (20), and the second planetary gear set (130) is connecting the electrical motor (110) to an output shaft (24), and wherein the rotational axis (R) of the first planetary gear set (120) and the second planetary gear set (130) is arranged remote from the output shaft (24).