Electric Traction Axle Off-Axis Layout for Compact High-Torque Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric traction axles/beans face challenges in reducing dimensions while maintaining a wide operational range of torque and power, which is essential for diverse vehicle operating conditions.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an off-axis configuration for the electric machine, where the axis of the operating shaft is parallel and spaced apart from the longitudinal axis of the axle/beam, allows for a compact design with high transmission ratios and efficient torque/power delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the electric machine is positioned in an on-axis configuration (coaxial to the axle/beam drive shafts), then the assembly is simplified and elements can be directly assembled on the axles, but the longitudinal dimension of the axle is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from an on-axis (coaxial) configuration to an off-axis configuration where the electric machine's axis is parallel to but spaced apart from the drive shafts axis. This dimensional repositioning allows the electric machine to be mounted laterally on the axle housing rather than extending the axle longitudinally, thereby reducing the longitudinal dimension while maintaining assembly feasibility through the lateral mounting structure
2Ease of operation
If the longitudinal dimension of the axle is increased to accommodate the electric machine, then the electric machine can be properly positioned, but the positioning of other functional elements is limited
Solution Approach 1:
By repositioning the electric machine off-axis and utilizing lateral space on the axle housing, the patent frees up the longitudinal dimension for other functional elements such as suspensions, brake system components, and frame components. This dimensional redistribution allows all elements to be properly positioned without spatial conflicts
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates the electric machine from the central longitudinal axis, positioning it laterally on the axle housing. This segmentation of spatial arrangement allows independent optimization of the electric machine's position while maintaining accessibility and proper positioning of other functional elements along the longitudinal axis
3Length of moving object
If the electric machine or transmission is resized to reduce longitudinal dimension, then the axle dimensions are reduced, but the power and performance available to the axle is decreased
Solution Approach 1:
The off-axis configuration allows the electric machine to be positioned laterally with sufficient space for its full size and stroke, eliminating the need to downsize the motor or transmission to fit within a constrained longitudinal envelope. The lateral mounting provides the necessary clearance for high-power components while maintaining compact longitudinal dimensions through efficient spatial arrangement of other elements
Data Source
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AI summary
Electrically driven axle, e-axle/e-beam, (1) for a vehicle, e-axle/e-beam (1) comprising a casing (C) defining a space (V) separated from the external environment and at least one electric machine (2) and a pair of drive shafts (4', 4'') each connected to a respective wheel of the vehicle and supported by the casing (C), the e-axle (1) comprising a transmission chain housed in the space (V) operationally connecting at least one electric machine (2) to the pair of drive shafts (4', 4"), the transmission chain comprising operationally interposed in series between the at least one electric machine (2) and the pair of drive shafts (4', 4'') a first transfer system (5), a speed shift system (6), and a second transfer system (7) and a differential assembly (8), wherein the speed shift system (6) comprises a clutch shift system (60).