Torque Vectoring Differential With Selective Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle differential systems face difficulties in navigating rough roads due to frictional force differences between wheels, limiting their ability to escape from such conditions, and lack active torque adjustment capabilities for enhanced driving performance.
Innovation Solution
A torque vectoring device incorporating a differential, planetary gear sets, and a selective fixing mechanism allows for active control of torque distribution between opposite drive wheels, enabling improved driving performance and marketability by switching between torque vectoring and driving modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a differential is used to allow speed difference between wheels, then ease of turning is improved, but the vehicle cannot escape from rough roads with frictional force differences
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between two operational modes: a differential mode for normal turning operations and a torque vectoring mode for rough road conditions. This is achieved through a selective fixing mechanism that can actively change the mechanical configuration based on driving conditions, allowing the vehicle to adapt between ease of turning and traction capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the torque distribution parameters between left and right drive wheels by switching between differential and torque vectoring modes. In torque vectoring mode, the torque difference between wheels is actively controlled to provide differential torque, enabling the vehicle to escape from rough roads while maintaining the ability to turn when conditions permit.
2Reliability
If a limited slip differential is used to limit differential function, then traction on rough roads is improved, but active torque adjustment capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a dynamic switching mechanism that transitions between passive limited slip differential behavior and active torque vectoring control. This allows the vehicle to achieve both traction on rough roads through limited slip functionality and active torque adjustment when exiting such conditions, providing adaptability across different driving scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The torque vectoring device integrates multiple functions into a single system: it provides limited slip differential action for rough road traction, active torque vectoring for torque adjustment, and normal differential operation for turning. This multi-functional design allows the system to adapt to various driving conditions without requiring separate systems for each function.
3Reliability
If torque vectoring technology is implemented to actively adjust torques, then driving performance is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the torque vectoring mechanism with the existing differential structure by integrating planetary gear sets directly into the differential assembly. This combined design allows torque vectoring functionality to be achieved without requiring completely separate systems, thereby enhancing driving performance while controlling overall device complexity through structural integration.
Data Source
AI summary
A torque vectoring device for a vehicle is disclosed. The torque vectoring device includes: a differential; a first planetary gear set connected, at a first rotating element thereof, to a differential case of the differential; a second planetary gear set connected, at a first rotating element thereof, to a selected drive shaft that is one of two drive shafts coupled to the differential; a motor connected to a second rotating element of the first planetary gear set; and a selective fixing mechanism configured to selectively fix a second rotating element or a third rotating element of the second planetary gear set.