A newly developed motor-assisted 4WD system for small front-wheel-drive vehicles is introduced. The motor-assisted 4WD system mainly consists of an engine-driven generator, a motor that drives the rear wheels, a clutch, a rear-wheel drive unit integrated with the rear differential and a 4WD controller that controls the engine torque and motor torque according to the driving conditions. The extent to which 4WD is needed in various driving situations that actually occur in everyday life was analyzed quantitatively based on the results of driving tests. The following three performance targets were set: 1. Necessary and sufficient start-off traction to avoid becoming stuck in deep snow or sand. 2. Continuous traction for driving necessary and sufficient distance after starting off in the situations mentioned so as to avoid becoming stuck. 3. Necessary and sufficient start-off traction on low-micron surfaces, such as at icy intersections and on snow-packed uphill roads, and greater ease of driving than with conventional 4WD systems. System requirements were identified: 1. absolute driving force of the motor; 2. continuous operability of the hardware units; 3. motor output response; 4. front and rear wheel traction control. Investigation that were made of these four system requirements and hardware unit characteristics with the aim of satisfying the performance targets are outlined. The developed 4WD system delivers a necessary and sufficient level of start-off traction, provides an ease of driving superior to that of conventional 4WD systems, achieves a more compact and lightweight system and reduces fuel economy penalty compared with the 2WD base vehicle.
Development of a motor-assisted 4WD system for small front-wheel-drive vehicles
Entwicklung eines Elektromotor-unterstützten Allradsystems für kleine frontgetriebene Fahrzeuge
JSAE Review ; 24 , 4 ; 417-424
2003
8 Seiten, 18 Bilder, 3 Quellen
Aufsatz (Zeitschrift)
Englisch
Development of a motor-assisted 4WD system for small front-wheel-drive vehicles
Online Contents | 2003
|Development of a motor-assisted 4WD system for small front-wheel-drive vehicles
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