Autonomous Retarder System with Integrated Self-Excited Generator

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electromagnetic braking systems for vehicles, such as retarders using Foucault currents, require large and costly external batteries for power supply, leading to inefficiencies and a non-compact design, and are prone to cooling issues and rotor locking in adverse weather conditions.

Innovation Solution

A compact retarder system with a centrally positioned rotor and integrated self-excited or permanent-magnet generators, featuring a braking regulation module with a rectifier and voltage stabilizer, and a temperature sensor to manage power supply and cooling, allowing for autonomous operation and reduced wear.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If external batteries are used to power the retarder, then sufficient power supply is achieved, but the system becomes large and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply capabilityVSAvoidsystem size

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the generator with the retarder assembly by mounting the generator on the retarder housing, which is itself attached to the vehicle chassis. This integration eliminates the need for separate external battery systems while providing sufficient power for both the retarder and vehicle electrical systems through the generator's output.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Power

If external batteries are used to power the retarder, then sufficient power supply is achieved, but the system becomes costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply capabilityVSAvoidsystem cost

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the generator with the retarder assembly by mounting the generator on the retarder housing, which is itself attached to the vehicle chassis. This integration eliminates the need for separate external battery systems while providing sufficient power for both the retarder and vehicle electrical systems through the generator's output.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The generator serves dual purposes: powering the retarder during braking operations and charging the vehicle's electrical system. This self-service capability eliminates the need for costly external battery systems designed specifically for retarder power supply.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the retarder is equipped with its own separate battery, then power supply reliability is improved, but the retarder cannot be integrated and remains non-compact

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply reliabilityVSAvoidintegration capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the generator with the retarder assembly by mounting the generator on the retarder housing, which is itself attached to the vehicle chassis. This integration eliminates the need for separate external battery systems while providing sufficient power for both the retarder and vehicle electrical systems through the generator's output.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Force

If conventional friction brakes are used, then braking effectiveness at low speed is maintained, but wear and maintenance requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebraking effectivenessVSAvoidmaintenance requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical friction-based braking with an electromagnetic retarder system that uses magnetic fields to create retarding force on the rotor. This substitution eliminates contact wear between braking surfaces while maintaining effective braking capability, particularly at higher speeds where the retarder is most effective.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution provides a compact, efficient, and reliable braking system with reduced maintenance needs, improved cooling, and enhanced performance by integrating the generator within the assembly, eliminating external battery requirements and addressing rotor locking issues.

Implementation Method 1

A power source in the form of a self-excited or permanent-magnet generator integrated within the assembly transforms the mechanical energy of the rotation of the axle into electrical energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

electrical brakes that are activated based on the induction of Foucault currents (also known as Eddy currents) in the rotor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFoucault currents: Eddy Currents

Data Source

PatentEP3181393B1Autonomous retarder system for a vehicle, and vehicle including same

Publication Date: 2021.05.26 RALENTIZADORES Y TRANSFORMACIONES SA

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to an autonomous retarder system for a vehicle including a retarder (10) having a central rotor (11) and two stators (12), one on each side of the rotor (11). The rotor (11) is rigidly coupled to an axle (1). A generator (20, 30, 50) is also included, coupled to the retarder (10), for supplying same with electrical energy. In addition, the generator (20, 30, 50) comprises a stator (22) and a rotor (21,31,51) coupled to the retarder.