Integrated Wheel Bearing Unit with Electric Machine Rotor
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wheel bearings in motor vehicles lack integration with electric machines, leading to increased energy consumption and reduced vehicle safety, while also occupying more installation space and adding weight.
Innovation Solution
A wheel bearing unit with an integrated electric machine, comprising an inner ring, an outer ring, a first and second ball row, and a follower connected to the rotor of the electric machine, which allows for torque transmission and reduces the number of individual parts, enabling efficient energy management and reduced weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional wheel bearings are used without integrated electric machines, then the structure is simpler and installation space is reduced, but energy consumption increases and vehicle safety is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the wheel bearing and electric machine into a single integrated unit. The bearing's inner and outer rings serve as mounting structures for the electric machine components, merging two previously separate systems (bearing support and motor mounting) into one unified structure that reduces energy consumption while managing complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel bearing unit is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides rotational support through the bearing mechanism while also housing and supporting the electric machine that assists the main drive. This multi-functionality allows the same structural elements to serve both bearing and motor mounting purposes, improving energy efficiency without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Device complexity
If conventional wheel bearings are used without integrated electric machines, then the device complexity is reduced, but installation space and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the wheel bearing and electric machine into a single integrated unit, reducing the number of separate components that need to be installed. The bearing's inner and outer rings directly support the electric machine components, eliminating the need for separate mounting structures and reducing overall installation space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The electric machine components are nested within the space defined by the bearing's inner and outer rings. The follower is arranged between the ball rows and connected to the rotor, effectively nesting the motor components within the bearing structure itself, thereby reducing the total installation footprint.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional wheel bearings are used without integrated electric machines, then the manufacturing process is simpler, but the weight of the wheel assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the wheel bearing and electric machine into a single manufactured unit or pre-assembled module. This integration allows for optimized material usage and reduced redundant structures, potentially simplifying the manufacturing process while reducing the overall weight of the wheel assembly compared to separate components.
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 integrated wheel bearing unit enhances vehicle safety and energy efficiency by minimizing installation space, reducing weight, and allowing for both motor and generator operations, thereby assisting the main drive and recovering energy during braking.
Implementation Method 1
The follower may be connected directly or indirectly to a rotor of an electric machine in a torque-transmitting manner
Implementation Method 2
The outer ring and the inner ring of the wheel bearing are mounted rotatably with respect to one another by means of two ball rows which are arranged parallel to one another
Data Source
AI summary
A wheel bearing unit comprises an inner ring and an outer ring. The outer ring is mounted rotatably and is arranged concentrically with respect to the inner ring. The inner ring serves to receive a wheel and the outer ring serves for fastening to a wheel support of a motor vehicle. The wheel bearing unit has, between the inner ring and the outer ring, a first ball row and a second ball row which is arranged parallel to the first ball row. A follower is arranged in a rotationally fixed manner with respect to an outer side of the inner ring between the first ball row and the second ball row. The follower is connected directly or indirectly to a rotor of an electric machine in a torque-transmitting manner.