Torque Vectoring Unit Using Nested Planetary Gears
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost of traditional torque vectoring systems in motor vehicles due to complex mechanical arrangements limits their adoption in markets seeking lower-cost options.
Innovation Solution
A torque vectoring unit incorporating a differential unit, a gear arrangement, and a clutch system with concentric clutches, where an actuator independently controls the clutches to distribute torque between output shafts, allowing for efficient torque distribution and yaw moment generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional torque vectoring systems use complex mechanical arrangements to achieve torque distribution, then vehicle agility and stability are improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs nested planetary gear sets where a first planetary gear set and a second planetary gear set are arranged concentrically with shared components. The sun gear, planet gears, and ring gear of both gear sets share common elements, creating a compact nested structure that achieves complex torque distribution functions with reduced component count and lower system cost while maintaining vehicle agility and stability
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional torque vectoring systems use complex mechanical arrangements to achieve torque distribution, then torque vectoring function is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple mechanical functions into a unified planetary gear arrangement where the first and second planetary gear sets share common sun gears, planet gears, and ring gears. This consolidation combines torque splitting, torque amplification, and differential functions into a single integrated mechanism, reducing the number of separate components that need to be manufactured and assembled, thereby lowering manufacturing cost while preserving full torque distribution capability
Solution Approach 2:
The shared components in the nested planetary gear sets serve multiple functions simultaneously. The common sun gear acts as both the sun gear for the first planetary gear set and the ring gear for the second planetary gear set, while the planet gears perform both torque transmission and torque amplification functions. This multi-functionality reduces the total component count and simplifies manufacturing while maintaining advanced torque vectoring capabilities
Data Source
AI summary
A torque vectoring unit for use with a motor vehicle including a differential unit, a gear arrangement and a clutch system. The gear arrangement is connected to the differential unit and includes a first gear set, a second gear set, a third gear set and a common shaft. The clutch system is selectively connected to the gear arrangement and includes a concentric inner clutch and a concentric outer clutch drivingly to an actuator. The actuator actuates each clutch independently. The first gear set includes an external gear supported on the common shaft and an internal gear selectively in engagement with the outer clutch. The second gear set includes an external gear supported on the common shaft and an internal gear selectively in engagement with the inner clutch. The third gear set includes an external gear coupled to the common shaft and an internal gear coupled to a differential case.