Torque Vectoring Apparatus Using Nested Planetary Gears
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing torque vectoring systems for vehicles, particularly in electric vehicles, face challenges in efficiently controlling torque distribution between wheels to enhance agility and stability, especially during cornering, and often result in power loss and increased fuel consumption.
Innovation Solution
A torque vectoring apparatus comprising a speed reduction device, differential device, torque vectoring control motor, and torque multiplication device with planetary gear sets, which adjusts torque ratios between left-side and right-side output shafts using a torque vectoring control motor, minimizing power loss and optimizing fuel efficiency by disconnecting torque transmission when excessive vehicle speed is reached.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a torque vectoring apparatus is added to control torque distribution between wheels, then cornering performance and stability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The torque vectoring control motor is integrated within the differential device structure, with planetary gear sets nested inside the differential housing. This nesting approach allows the torque vectoring function to be added without requiring separate external components, thereby improving cornering performance while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the torque vectoring control motor and planetary gear sets with the existing differential device to create an integrated assembly. By merging these components into a single unified structure rather than separate systems, the patent achieves improved wheel torque control while reducing the overall complexity that would result from multiple independent components.
2Measurement precision
If planetary gear sets are used to multiply control torque, then torque control precision is improved, but power loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The planetary gear sets are configured to provide torque multiplication only when needed for torque vectoring control, rather than continuously. The control motor engages the planetary gears selectively based on driving conditions, achieving precise torque control when required while minimizing power loss during normal operation by disengaging the multiplication mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The planetary gear sets act as an intermediary mechanism between the control motor and the differential output. This intermediary allows for precise torque modulation and multiplication only when torque vectoring is required, while providing a direct connection path that minimizes power loss when the vectoring function is not actively engaged.
3Reliability
If torque transmission is continuously maintained for torque vectoring control, then torque distribution control is improved, but fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The torque vectoring control system operates periodically rather than continuously, engaging the control motor and planetary gear sets only when torque distribution adjustment is required based on driving conditions. This periodic engagement maintains effective torque control when needed while minimizing energy consumption during normal steady-state operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts torque transmission based on real-time driving conditions, automatically engaging or disengaging the torque vectoring control motor and planetary gear sets. This dynamic operation ensures optimal torque distribution control when cornering or accelerating while minimizing fuel consumption during straight-line cruising or steady-state conditions.
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 apparatus improves cornering performance and stability by dynamically controlling torque distribution, reduces power loss, and minimizes fuel consumption by using symmetric planetary gear sets and a torque disconnection function applicable to various electric vehicles, including hybrid and plug-in hybrid models.
Implementation Method 1
two planetary gear sets and configured of controlling a torque ratio of the split torques output to the left-side and right-side output shafts by the control torque received from the torque vectoring control motor
Implementation Method 2
a speed reduction device engaged to the motor-generator and configured of reducing a rotation speed of the vehicle driving torque received from the motor-generator
Implementation Method 3
a differential device receiving a speed-reduced torque from the speed reduction device and differentially outputting split torques to left-side and right-side output shafts
Data Source
AI summary
A torque vectoring apparatus receiving a vehicle driving torque from a motor-generator may include a speed reduction device configured of reducing a rotation speed of a torque received from the motor-generator, a differential device differentially outputting the speed-reduced torque to two output shafts, a torque vectoring control motor outputting a control torque, a torque vectoring apparatus engaged to the torque vectoring control motor and including two planetary gear sets to control a torque ratio output to the two output shafts by the control torque, and a torque multiplication device including a first planetary gear set having first to third rotation elements and being mounted on one of the two output shafts, the second rotation element being connected to the torque vectoring control motor, the third rotation element being fixedly connected to a transmission housing.