Wheel-Side Coupling Mechanism for Drivetrain Disengagement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling mechanisms on the input side of planetary gear boxes are difficult to access, especially in vehicles with parallel shaft gear boxes driven by electrical motors, making it challenging to disengage wheels from the drivetrain without disassembly.
Innovation Solution
A coupling mechanism positioned on the wheel side, utilizing a screw with a threaded portion, a block, and a coupler that engages and disengages with the drive shaft by axial movement, allowing wheels to be disengaged without accessing the input side of the planetary gear box.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the coupling mechanism is positioned on the input side of the planetary gear box, then the wheel can be disengaged from the drivetrain, but the coupling mechanism becomes difficult to access without disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is inverted from the conventional input-side location to the output-side location (wheel side) of the drivetrain. This reversal of positioning allows the coupling mechanism to be accessible from the wheel end, eliminating the need for disassembly of the planetary gear box or other protective structures that would be required if the mechanism remained on the input side.
2Ease of operation
If the coupling mechanism is positioned on the input side of the planetary gear box, then wheel disengagement is achieved, but specialized tools and disassembly are required
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting the coupling mechanism location to the wheel side, the system allows for tool-free or simple tool operation. The coupling mechanism can be actuated directly from the wheel end without requiring disassembly of protective structures or specialized tools that would be needed to access the input side of the planetary gear box.
3Power
If a planetary reduction gear box is used to couple the drive shaft to the wheel hub, then torque transmission is achieved, but the input side becomes inaccessible in parallel shaft gear boxes
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is relocated from the input side to the output side of the drivetrain. This inversion allows the mechanism to remain functional for torque transmission disengagement while being accessible from the wheel end, regardless of whether a planetary reduction gear box or parallel shaft gear box is used.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism acts as an intermediary device positioned at the output side that can engage or disengage the drivetrain components. This intermediary positioning allows control of torque transmission without requiring direct access to the input side of the gear box, accommodating both planetary and parallel shaft configurations.
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
Enables easy disengagement of wheels from the drivetrain by actuating the screw, facilitating operations like towing without specialized tools and accommodating various driveline configurations.
Implementation Method 1
a screw with a threaded portion, a block with an internal threaded portion engaging the threaded portion of the screw
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for coupling mechanism of a wheel. The coupling mechanism of a wheel includes a screw with a threaded portion, a block with an internal threaded portion, and a coupler mechanically coupled to the screw. The coupler has a radially inner surface configured to couple with a drive shaft and a radially outer surface configured to couple with a spindle, where the screw is configured to engage the coupler with the drive shaft when actuated in a first direction and disengage the coupler from the drive shaft when actuated in a second direction, opposite the first.