Patent ID: 8795121
Filing Date: 2014-08-05
Classification: B60K,B60L,F16H,Y02T,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A drive mechanism for transmitting torque to at least a first output member and a second output member, comprising: a torque generating drive member operably coupled to the first output member and the second output member, the torque generating drive member including a first drive element and a second drive element rotatably supported with respect to the first drive element; and a switching element connected to the first drive element and configured to selectively transfer torque generated by the torque generating drive member to the first output member and second output member either in a propulsion mode or in a vector mode, the switching element movable between engagement with a fixed base member in propulsion mode and engagement with a coupling element in vector mode; the coupling element coupled to the first output member and extending radially outward from the first output member, wherein in the propulsion mode, torque of the torque generating drive member is inducted to first output member and second output member uni-directionally; and wherein in the vector mode, the torque of the drive member is inducted to first output member in an opposite direction to the second output member, wherein the first output member, the second output member and the drive member are operably coupled to a planetary gear differential comprising an outer ring gear operably coupled with the second drive element and the first output member is operably coupled to a carrier of the planetary gear differential, and wherein the second output member is operably coupled to a sun gear of the planetary gear differential.