POWERTRAIN
PROTECTION I
POWER
n-wheel motors, otherwise known as hub motors, can provide signifi cant added-value to vehicles in the form of improved
torque response, enhanced handling, and faster acceleration. Recent years have seen this type of motor rise in popularity amid the increased adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). As a result, vehicle designers are
moving new drivetrain technologies to diff erent locations within their designs. Many are leaving traditional designs behind as EVs allow for motors to be placed closer to a vehicle’s power source. Public infrastructure can also benefi t from in-wheel motors, as buses can operate with tighter turning circles whilst at a
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higher load capacity. However, without protection, in-
wheel motors can become defective, leading to the entire vehicle becoming stationary. To prevent this, Freudenberg Sealing Technologies has released its new design for sealing in- wheel motors. The new sealing geometry is not
just for passenger cars but also for use in various commercial vehicle components produced by OEMs. The seal boasts optimal protection against dirt and water regardless of speed. Crucial to the design is the sealant’s ability to adjust eff ectiveness and friction in accordance with the rotational speed of the wheel. Luca Breusa, product developer at
The company’s sealing solution for in-wheel motors
Jake Holmes explores how advanced seals can provide heightened protection for in-wheel motors
Freudenberg, explains: “The technical challenges for the seal are mainly to ensure reliable protection against dirt and water while minimising friction losses.” Breusa adds: “As a solution,
Freudenberg has positioned the sealing lip in such a way that high contact pressure maximises sealing performance at low rotational speeds. At higher speeds, both the contact pressure and the friction are signifi cantly reduced by the generated centrifugal forces. Depending on the customer’s requirements, the seal can even be fully lifted off the stator, which also eliminates friction, thus signifi cantly increasing the lifetime of the seal.”
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