Torque Vectoring Device Using Electrical Motor and Planetary Gear Set
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing torque vectoring devices for vehicles are heavy, expensive, and consume high power due to their mechanical design, which affects rotational speed and increases energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A torque vectoring device utilizing an electrical motor connected to a differential mechanism on an axle, with a control system that adjusts drive currents based on vehicle state variables, allowing for efficient torque distribution between drive shafts, reducing size and energy consumption by operating at differential rotational speed rather than absolute rotational speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical gear devices are used to increase rotational speed of drive shafts, then torque vectoring capability is achieved, but device weight and size increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical gear devices with an electrical motor system. The electrical motor is connected to the differential mechanism and controlled by control means that receive vehicle state variables. This substitution eliminates heavy mechanical gearing while achieving the same torque vectoring function through electrical actuation, directly resolving the contradiction between torque vectoring capability and device weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters of the torque vectoring system by operating the electrical motor at differential rotational speed rather than absolute rotational speed. This parameter change reduces the speed and torque requirements of the motor, allowing for a more compact and lighter design while maintaining effective torque distribution between drive shafts.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical gear devices operate at absolute rotational speed, then torque distribution is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the operational parameter from absolute rotational speed to differential rotational speed. The electrical motor operates based on the speed difference between left and right drive shafts rather than the absolute speed of the drive shafts themselves. This parameter change dramatically reduces the energy required for torque vectoring, especially during steady-state driving where differential speed is minimal, directly resolving the energy consumption contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
Replacing the mechanical gear system with an electrical motor system controlled by differential speed parameters reduces energy losses associated with mechanical friction and inefficiencies. The electrical system can more efficiently convert energy to produce the required torque difference, lowering overall power consumption while maintaining torque distribution capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical torque vectoring devices are implemented, then driving dynamics are enhanced, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical gear devices with a more compact electrical motor system. The electrical motor, differential mechanism, and control means form a simpler integrated system compared to traditional mechanical torque vectoring devices. This substitution reduces the number of mechanical components, simplifies the overall device architecture, and lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining the ability to enhance driving dynamics through torque vectoring.
4Ease of operation
If electrical motor operates at absolute rotational speed, then torque control is achieved, but device size and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameter from absolute rotational speed to differential rotational speed for the electrical motor. This parameter change allows the motor to operate at lower speeds and with reduced power requirements, enabling a more compact motor design. The differential mechanism translates this differential speed operation into effective torque control, achieving torque control capability with a smaller device volume.
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 results in a compact, energy-efficient torque vectoring device that enhances driving dynamics, reduces energy losses, and allows for real-time traction control on surfaces with inhomogeneous friction, while also enabling regenerative braking to further decrease energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
an electrical power source connected to an electrical motor, said electrical motor being connectable to said axle for torque vectoring between said first drive shaft and said second drive shaft
Data Source
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AI summary
A device for torque vectoring in a wheeled vehicle is provided. The device comprises a differential mechanism (130, 220a, 220b, 320, 406) arranged on an axle (110, 210, 310, 402) having a first drive shaft (214, 314, 402L) and a second drive shaft (216, 316, 402R), an electrical power source (424) connected to an electrical motor (140, 230, 330, 410), said electrical motor (140, 230, 330, 410) being connectable to said axle (110, 210, 310, 402) for torque vectoring between said first drive shaft (214, 314, 402L) and said second drive shaft (216, 316, 402R), wherein said electrical motor (330) is connected to said first drive shaft (314) and said second drive shaft (316) by means of a planetary gear set (340), and control means (150, 420, 430, 440) connected to said power source (424) and configured to receive a plurality of variables (442, 444) representing the current vehicle state and to determine drive currents (412) being dependent on said variables (442, 444), wherein said drive currents (412) are supplied to said electrical motor (140, 230, 330, 410) from said power source (424) for introducing a torque increase to either one of said first or second drive shafts (214, 216, 314, 316, 402L, 402R) and a corresponding torque decrease to the other one of said first or second drive shafts (214, 216, 314, 316, 402L, 402R).