The elegant idea of motor-wheels for electric vehicles has not found widespread use – this is due to the high cost and the problem of large unsprung masses. However, the thought of reducing electric motors to free up usable space inside the chassis is on the minds of automotive engineers. Hyundai proposed a new solution by developing the UniWheel system with a separated motor and reduction gearbox.
The idea is simple: the heavy electric motor remains on the body or frame, and the relatively light reduction gear is placed in the free space inside the wheel. The UniWheel does not have a constant velocity joint, but instead a four-link system with a multi-stage planetary gear: the mobility of this design allows it to transmit torque to the wheel, compensating for the suspension.
The use of a “gear-wheel” promises a number of advantages. Traction electric motors without bulky gearboxes should become more compact, and coupled with the use of individual motors for each wheel, this will free up useful space inside the body. Hyundai engineers propose to occupy this space with additional traction battery cells. By the way, individual motors with properly configured control electronics are also a full-fledged thrust vector control system.
On the left is a platform with a traditional drive, on the right is with the UniWheel system
Getting rid of CV joints, as stated, will reduce losses when transmitting torque to the wheels, increasing efficiency and power reserve. In addition, it opens up the possibility of wider use of the vertical adjustment range of the air suspension. The UniWheel system can be used with wheels ranging from 4 to 25 inches in diameter, meaning it covers the widest range of vehicles, from small personal mobility devices to SUVs and trucks.
Hyundai stated that it has already carried out a full cycle of strength and durability tests, in which the UniWheel system performed well. It is not yet clear when the innovative unit will go into mass production, but it is known that the Koreans have already patented the technology in their homeland, in Europe and the USA, that is, in key markets.
2023-11-29 19:25:43
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