Electric Drivetrain Transfer Case Layout for Single-Motor AWD
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrically operable drive trains for utility vehicles are inefficient as they require multiple electric motors for propulsion, even when only one is necessary, leading to increased weight, cost, and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A drive train configuration with two transfer cases and electric motors, where one transfer case includes a power take-off, allowing for lockable all-wheel drive and independent operation of axles to optimize power distribution and reduce the need for multiple powerful motors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple electric motors are provided for propulsion in electrically operable drive trains, then the vehicle can achieve high power and reliable all-wheel drive capability, but the weight, cost, and structural complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The first electric motor is designed to perform multiple functions: it can drive the first axle through the first transfer case, simultaneously drive the second axle through the second transfer case via the coupling shaft, and power auxiliary equipment through the power take-off. This multi-functionality allows a single motor to replace what would traditionally require multiple motors, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high power capability and reliable all-wheel drive functionality
2Reliability
If multiple electric motors are used for propulsion, then the vehicle has redundant drive capability for all-wheel drive, but the weight of the drive train increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple drive sources into a single first electric motor. The motor's output is split through the transfer cases to drive both axles, and the same motor also powers auxiliary equipment. This consolidation reduces the total number of heavy motor components while maintaining the reliability of all-wheel drive capability through the coupling mechanism between transfer cases
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electric motors are provided for different drive functions, then the vehicle can operate independently with each motor, but the cost of the drive train increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first electric motor is designed as a universal power source that can independently drive the first axle, independently drive the second axle through the coupling shaft, and independently power auxiliary equipment through the power take-off. This single multi-functional motor replaces multiple specialized motors, significantly reducing manufacturing costs while preserving the vehicle's adaptability and independent operation capabilities through the transfer case coupling mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an electrically operable drive train (10), having a first transfer case (11), a first electric motor (12), and a first axle (13, 13′) as well as a second transfer case (14), a second electric motor (15, 15), and a second axle (16, 16′). The first transfer case (11) has a first input (17), a first axle output (18), and a first coupling output (19). The second transfer case (14) has a second input (20), a second axle output (21), and a second coupling output (22). The first coupling output (19) can be coupled with the second coupling output (22) by way of a coupling shaft (23). The drive train (10) according to the invention is distinguished in that the first transfer case (11) further has a first power take-off (24). The invention relates further to a corresponding vehicle.