Electric Work Vehicle Wheel Drive Layout for Compact Power Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric work vehicles face challenges in efficiently powering multiple components and wheels, often resulting in complex and bulky motor and gearing systems that compromise efficiency and maneuverability.
Innovation Solution
The electric work vehicle is designed with a modular motor and gearing system, featuring multiple electric motors supported by a frame, with each motor connected to specific gearing to drive wheels or components. This configuration allows for efficient power distribution and reduced bulk, with motors and gearings strategically positioned to optimize space and functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electric motors are used to power multiple wheels and components, then the vehicle can achieve better maneuverability and power distribution, but the device complexity and bulk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle uses four independent electric motors, with each motor dedicated to driving a specific wheel. This segmentation allows each motor to be optimized for its specific function and enables independent control of each wheel, improving maneuverability while distributing the complexity across modular units rather than one complex centralized system
Solution Approach 2:
The electric motors serve multiple functions: they provide propulsion for the wheels, enable steering through differential rotation, and can potentially provide regenerative braking. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanical systems for steering and braking, thereby reducing overall device complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electric motors and gearings are installed, then the vehicle can drive multiple wheels and components, but the vehicle bulk and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gearings are positioned outside the frame in the left-right direction, utilizing the lateral space rather than consuming longitudinal or vertical space. This dimensional repositioning allows the gearings to be accessible and functional without increasing the overall vehicle bulk in the primary dimensions
Solution Approach 2:
The gearings are positioned to be integrated with the motor assemblies, with the outermost portions of the gearings located outside the frame while maintaining compact integration with the motors. This nesting approach minimizes the total volume required for the motor-gearing assemblies
3Device complexity
If gearings are positioned outside the frame, then the motors and gearings can be compactly arranged, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motor-gearing assemblies are designed as separate, modular units that can be manufactured and tested independently before final assembly. This segmentation simplifies the manufacturing process by allowing specialized production of each module and reduces the complexity of assembling the complete system
Solution Approach 2:
The gearings positioned outside the frame serve dual purposes: they transmit power from the motors to the wheels and provide accessible mounting points for connection to the wheel hubs. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, simplifying the overall assembly process
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
An electric work vehicle (1) includes a frame, a front axle (3) connected to the frame (10), a first motor (14) supported by the frame and connected to a first gearing (15) to drive a first wheel (2L), and a second motor (16) supported by the frame and connected to a second gearing (17) to drive a second wheel (2R). An outermost portion of the first gearing (15) in a left-right direction of the electric work vehicle is outside of the frame in the left-right direction of the electric work vehicle (1). An outermost portion of the second gearing (17) in the left-right direction of the electric work vehicle is outside of the frame in the left-right direction of the electric work vehicle (1).