Torque Vectoring Device Hydraulic Clutch Actuation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current torque vectoring devices in vehicles require multiple hydraulic systems for gear switching and cooling, increasing complexity and cost, particularly in systems using 12V electrical power, which limits their efficiency and scalability with higher voltage systems like 48V.

Innovation Solution

A torque vectoring device capable of operating in dual modes (hybrid drive and torque vectoring) using a single motor connected to a differential mechanism via a transmission, with multiple clutch and planetary gear configurations to achieve gear switching and torque redistribution, and integrated cooling systems such as oil-based cooling circuits to reduce complexity and enhance efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple hydraulic systems are used for gear switching and cooling, then gear switching and cooling functions are achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegear switching and cooling functionsVSAvoidhydraulic system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines gear switching and cooling functions into a single integrated hydraulic system. The hydraulic circuit is configured to selectively supply hydraulic fluid to either the clutch actuator for gear switching or the cooling passages for thermal management, eliminating the need for separate hydraulic systems and reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single hydraulic system is designed with multi-functionality to perform both gear switching and cooling operations. The system can dynamically allocate hydraulic flow to different functions based on operational requirements, making one system capable of replacing what would traditionally require multiple specialized systems

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If 12V electrical power system is used, then existing infrastructure is maintained, but efficiency and scalability to higher voltage systems is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescalability to higher voltage systemsVSAvoidelectrical power efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical power system is designed with dynamic adaptability to operate across multiple voltage levels. The system can switch between 12V and 48V operational modes, allowing it to optimize performance and efficiency for different operating conditions while maintaining compatibility with existing 12V infrastructure and preparing for future 48V applications

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If single hydraulic system is used for both gear switching and cooling, then device complexity is reduced, but hydraulic fluid management becomes more challenging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehydraulic system complexityVSAvoidhydraulic fluid management
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a hydraulic control unit as an intermediary component that manages fluid distribution between gear switching and cooling functions. This control unit receives commands and selectively directs hydraulic fluid to the appropriate destination, simplifying fluid management by providing a centralized control point rather than requiring complex manual or distributed control mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 enables efficient dual-mode operation with reduced hydraulic complexity, improved torque management, and enhanced cooling, optimizing performance and cost-effectiveness for 48V systems, while maintaining high efficiency and reliability.

Implementation Method 1

A torque vectoring device (100) arranged on an axle (10) of a vehicle (1), wherein the torque vectoring device (100) comprises: a hydraulic system (160) configured to supply hydraulic fluid to at least one clutch (130a, 130b)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic actuation: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 2

This may be done by supplying oil to the electrical machine, in which the cooling oil is circulated around the rotating parts of the electrical machine

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection cooling: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP3140144B1A torque vectoring device
Publication Date: 2019.12.25 BORGWARNER SWEDEN AB
  • EP3140144B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2a
  • EP3140144B1 patent drawingFigure 2b~3
  • EP3140144B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

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 transmission (120), wherein the torque vectoring device further comprises at least one control means (130, 150) for changing the torque path of the transmission (120) between a first mode, in which the transmission connects the electrical motor (110) to the input shaft of the differential mechanism (20) for hybrid drive mode, and a second mode, in which the transmission connects the electrical motor (110) to the output shaft of the differential mechanism (20) for torque vectoring mode.