Hyundai reveals new Uni Wheel drive system

Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation have unveiled a Universal Wheel Drive System.

Called the 'Uni Wheel', the system makes use of a special planetary gear configuration consisting of a sun gear in the centre alongside four pinion gears on each side and a ring gear surrounding this arrangement.

The new drive system allows more interior space to be offered compared with conventional drive systems, which could optimise future Purpose Built Vehicles

This setup allows power generated from a motor to be transmitted to the sun gear, which in turn engages the pinion gears to rotate the ring gear. This ring gear is connected to the wheel that drives the vehicle. The system's pinion gears are connected to each other to form two linkages, and Hyundai states that this multi-link mechanism enables multi-axis movement along a wide range suspension articulation.

Hyundai also states that the Uni Wheel system will allow vehicles to dramatically improve the available space offered by moving their main drive system components to the vacant space within the wheel hub. It is additionally said to mitigate the decrease in efficiency that occurs in a regular CV joint as the angle of drive shaft deflection increases when travelling over bumpy, undulating surfaces.

Hyundai Motor and Kia are currently working to verify the stability, efficiency, and durability of the Uni Wheel system. Both firms will be conducting tests to perfect the system and improve its efficiency by adjusting the reduction gear ratio and upgrading its lubrication and cooling system.