Amstead Automotive E-Axle disconnect used in Rivians

[IPTV65]

I found this interesting Will have to do some more Googling but here’s something to start things off.
https://www.meansindustries.com/new...nect-solution-missing-link-efficient-and-high

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[IPTV65]

Press release.
https://www.telematicswire.net/amst...ology-to-rivian-automotive-electric-vehicles/

 

[kneebuster]

Interesting that it was just announced today. I guess it's for a future iteration of the RIvians. Should help with range.

 

[crashmtb]

Interesting that it was just announced today. I guess it's for a future iteration of the RIvians. Should help with range.

Pretty sure it’s what they’re using now for decoupling the rear motors in conserve mode.

 

[IPTV65]

I agree but it says “in current Rivian production trucks.” I would have thought 4 motors would negate the need. I need to study more.

 

[IPTV65]

Pretty sure it’s what they’re using now for decoupling the rear motors in conserve mode.

I bet that is it. No “vectoring” function needed with 4 motors.

 

[zefram47]

Interesting. Wonder how much torque that electro-magnetic clutch can hold. And what the power requirements are to actuate and/or hold them open or closed.

 

[electruck]

 

[Forager]

I agree but it says “in current Rivian production trucks.” I would have thought 4 motors would negate the need. I need to study more.

Cutting power to the rear motors isn’t sufficient, the rear wheels need to be decoupled from the motors otherwise the rotation of the wheel will turn the motor into a generator. This would produce drag on the remaining powered axle.

Neat find.

 

[Autolycus]

Interesting info. We obviously knew there was some kind of electronic disconnect/clutch for the rear motors, but I also enjoy seeing the details of how they've implemented things.

Based on their product sheets, this system would easily be responsive enough for Rivian's use of "conserve" mode. It looks like it could re-engage quickly enough for any safety situations if Rivian chose to put power to the back wheels for stability, etc.

 

[Northish]

Now I'm curious after watching @OutofSpecKyle 's road trip video about regen in Conserve mode. If the rear motors are physically decoupled in that mode then are they not able to regen?
Or do they recouple during a regen moment?
Or do the front motors alone provide more regen than the battery can take so it's a non-issue?

 

[eemri]

Say you made something capable enough for a Rivian without saying Rivian:

"Specifications robust enough for a 4WD performance vehicle reaching 0-60 mph in 3 seconds, off-roading, and towing capability of up to 11,000 pounds."

 

[Mygrain]

Here's a photo of the rear drive unit that I found in a post from September, 2019 (Seattle event) on this forum. Can you spot the disconnects?

 

[zefram47]

Here's a photo of the rear drive unit that I found in a post from September, 2019 (Seattle event) on this forum. Can you spot the disconnects?

@OutofSpecKyle certainly look present in this assembly. Wonder if they made it to the production model.

 

[Rhidan]

Did my First Drive in Denver this afternoon. Rivian Rep said that conserve mode will switch between front or rear motors depending on speed. At low speeds it will engage the front motors only. Above 55 mph, it will engage the rear motors only.

That would imply there is a clutch/disconnect on both the front and rear motors.

Anyone hear that before?

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