Wheel Hub Torque Multiplier With Integrated Pinion-Annular Gearing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gear reduction and multiplication systems, such as portals, are prone to failure due to weak design and add significant weight and width to vehicles, while traditional solutions like gear reduction in the transmission increase stress on upstream drivetrain components.
Innovation Solution
A torque vector multiplier using a pinion and annular gear configuration that replaces standardized components like unitary bearing hubs or carrier bearings, providing efficient gear reduction or multiplication with a robust design that maintains the original gearing and torque specifications of upstream components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If gear reduction is implemented in the transmission, then torque is increased to the driven wheels, but all downstream drivetrain components sustain higher torque and are more susceptible to material fatigue and failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the gear reduction mechanism from the transmission (upstream) to the wheel hub (downstream), changing the spatial dimension where torque modification occurs. This allows torque multiplication to happen at the point of application, preserving upstream component reliability while achieving the desired torque increase at the wheels through a different spatial arrangement
2Reliability
If portals are used to provide gear reduction at the wheel hub, then upstream drivetrain components are not subjected to additional torque or stress, but the gear stack configuration adds eight inches of width and 40 pounds of weight per wheel hub
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the gear reduction mechanism directly into the wheel hub structure, combining functions that were previously separate (portal assembly and wheel hub). This integration eliminates the need for a bulky external portal assembly with multiple stacked gears, achieving the same torque multiplication effect with significantly reduced weight and width by consolidating components into a single unified structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential function of gear reduction from the complex portal assembly and implements it through a simplified mechanism within the wheel hub. By taking out only the necessary torque multiplication capability and removing unnecessary components (multiple idler gears, extensive housing), the design achieves the desired function with minimal weight and dimensional additions
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 solution reduces the risk of component failure, minimizes weight and width additions to vehicles, and allows for bi-directional gear modification, enhancing reliability and efficiency in off-road and heavy truck applications.
Implementation Method 1
a pinion assembly comprising the input structure fixedly attached to a pinion gear, wherein the pinion gear comprises a plurality of pinion teeth facing outward; an annular assembly comprising the output structure fixedly attached to an annular gear, wherein the annular gear comprises a plurality of annular teeth facing inward
Data Source
AI summary
A reversible torque vector multiplier for gear reduction or gear multiplication of vehicle driveline, machinery or any rotating structure, such as an automobile or offroad vehicle. Said embodiments comprise an input structure such as an axle or driveline, an output structure such as wheel studs or a driven driveshaft, with a pinion gear and an annular or ring gear. In preferred embodiments replacement of a standardized component such as a unitary bearing hub or a carrier bearing results in gearing down or gearing up the final output speed and corresponding torque. In some applications the orientation can be swapped resulting in switching gear reduction with multiplication, and vice versa. A pinion gear with automatic lubrication channels. Apparatus and method claims are provided.