Auxiliary Axle Coupling Control to Prevent Shaft Drag
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing commercial automotive vehicles face inefficiencies due to the engagement of auxiliary traction-regenerative shafts causing friction and increased fuel consumption when not in demand, particularly in flat sections, which affects drivability and energy usage.
Innovation Solution
A device and method for controlling the coupling and decoupling of an auxiliary regenerative engine with a shaft using a free differential assembly, responsive to a control system signal, allowing the auxiliary engine to act as a traction helper on slopes and regenerative energy source, while decoupling to prevent drag in flat sections, ensuring efficient energy use and reduced fuel consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the auxiliary engine is coupled to the shaft continuously, then auxiliary traction and regenerative functions are available, but friction and fuel consumption increase in flat sections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the coupling between the auxiliary engine and shaft variable rather than fixed. The system dynamically adjusts the coupling state based on real-time operating conditions (slope detection, braking status), transitioning between coupled and decoupled states. This resolves the contradiction by ensuring the auxiliary engine is coupled only when needed (maintaining reliability) and decoupled when not needed (reducing fuel consumption from friction).
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter of the auxiliary engine from a static 'always coupled' state to a dynamic state that transitions between coupled and decoupled based on detected conditions. The control system monitors parameters such as slope, braking status, and vehicle speed, and adjusts the coupling parameter accordingly, resolving the energy consumption issue while maintaining functional availability.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the auxiliary engine is decoupled from the shaft, then fuel consumption decreases in flat sections, but auxiliary traction and regenerative functions are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the coupling state based on real-time conditions, transitioning between decoupled (for fuel efficiency) and coupled (for functional adaptability) states. This resolves the contradiction by ensuring the auxiliary engine is decoupled during flat sections (reducing fuel consumption) but quickly coupled when auxiliary traction or regenerative functions are needed (maintaining adaptability).
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling parameter of the auxiliary engine is changed from a fixed state to a variable state that responds to operational conditions. The system monitors parameters such as slope detection and braking status, and adjusts the coupling parameter to maintain adaptability only when necessary, thereby reducing fuel consumption during normal operation.
3Loss of energy
If the auxiliary engine is coupled during braking, then regenerative energy recovery is enabled, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs feedback control by monitoring braking status and automatically activating the auxiliary engine coupling during braking events to enable regenerative energy recovery. The control system receives feedback about vehicle operation conditions and adjusts the coupling state accordingly, resolving the contradiction by enabling energy recovery only when braking is detected, rather than requiring continuous coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by automatically detecting braking conditions and activating the regenerative coupling without requiring manual intervention. The control system monitors vehicle status and autonomously manages the auxiliary engine coupling to maximize energy recovery, reducing the need for complex manual control mechanisms.
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 enables safe and efficient operation of auxiliary traction-regenerative shafts without interfering with vehicle drivability, optimizing fuel efficiency by coupling and decoupling the auxiliary engine's effects in response to demand, thereby reducing energy loss and fuel consumption.
Implementation Method 1
it allows the shaft to rotate freely so that no energy losses occur due to friction of the device components
Data Source
AI summary
A commercial automotive vehicle, such as trucks and buses, having an auxiliary shaft associated with an auxiliary engine, a coupling and/or uncoupling device and a method for controlling the coupling and/or uncoupling between a shaft of commercial automotive vehicles and an auxiliary engine associated with the shaft. Specifically, the vehicle has a device that couples and/or decouples the effects of at least one auxiliary engine to a shaft, allowing that, in a coupled state, the shaft receives auxiliary traction from the auxiliary engine or the auxiliary engine acts as a generator of braking energy in a regenerative way and, in a decoupled state, it allows the shaft to rotate freely so that no energy losses occur due to friction of the device components.