Heavy-Vehicle Torque Distributor Layout for Multi-Axle Adaptability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current torque transmission systems in heavy vehicles are inflexible, bulky, and costly, requiring redesign for different traction configurations and struggling to efficiently distribute torque to multiple axles.

Innovation Solution

A compact and versatile torque distributor system that uses a transmission assembly with differential mechanisms and power take-offs, housed within a single casing, allowing for adaptable torque distribution to multiple axles without the need for extensive redesign.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a transmission is specifically designed for one single traction configuration, then the transmission can be optimized for that specific configuration, but the transmission cannot be adapted to other traction configurations without redesign

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission optimizationVSAvoidtraction configuration adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal transmission system that can operate with different numbers of driving axles (2, 3, or 4 axles) by selectively connecting power take-offs to different axles. The transmission assembly includes multiple power take-offs that can be engaged or disengaged based on the required traction configuration, allowing a single transmission design to serve multiple functions and configurations without requiring redesign.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a transmission is designed to split torque to a plurality of axles, then the transmission can distribute torque to multiple axles, but the transmission becomes particularly bulky and heavy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-axle torque distributionVSAvoidtransmission weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The transmission system is segmented into modular components including a transmission assembly, multiple differentials, and multiple power take-offs that can be independently connected or disconnected. This segmentation allows the system to distribute torque to multiple axles when needed while maintaining a compact design, as each component is optimized for its specific function and can be selectively engaged rather than requiring a continuously complex multi-axle configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Volume of moving object

If the transmission is housed within a single casing defining a space, then the transmission components are compactly arranged, but the space utilization must be optimized to accommodate multiple power take-offs and differentials

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission compactnessVSAvoidinternal arrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the transmission assembly, multiple differentials, and multiple power take-offs within a single casing, merging these components into an integrated unit. The casing is designed to house all necessary components in a compact arrangement, with the transmission assembly positioned to efficiently connect to the differentials and power take-offs, reducing the overall volume required compared to separate housing arrangements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4534318A1Improved torque distributor system among axles of a heavy vehicle
Publication Date: 2025.04.09 IVECO SPA
  • EP4534318A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4534318A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4534318A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Torque distributor system (5) for distributing the torque coming from a powertrain (1) of a vehicle to a plurality of axles (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) of the vehicle, comprising a casing (6) designed to define a space (7) configured to house a transmission (8), the casing (6) defining a plurality of openings (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14) configured to house respective power take-offs (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20) connected to one another by the transmission (8), a first power take-off (15) of the power take-offs (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20) being able to be connected to the powertrain (1) and at least a second one (19) of the power take-offs (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20) being able to be connected to one or more of the axles (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d), the power take-offs (15, 16, 17, 18) being operatively connected to one another by a first and by a second differential mechanism (26, 36).