Axle-Driven Refrigeration Generator Coupling for Torque Spike Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrically driven transport refrigeration systems suffer from damage to components such as the wheel axle and generator due to torque spikes and vibrations, particularly during harsh braking or acceleration, which are not adequately addressed in conventional rigidly coupled systems.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a damper between the wheel axle and generator to absorb, deaden, and dampen torque spikes, using a flexible material like elastomeric rubber, set to absorb spikes above a threshold to prevent damage while allowing normal system operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a rigid coupler connects the wheel axle to the generator, then power transmission efficiency is improved, but the system becomes vulnerable to torque spikes and mechanical damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a fluid coupling device as an intermediary between the wheel axle and the generator. This fluid coupling includes a pump driven by the wheel axle and a turbine connected to the generator shaft, with torque transmission occurring through a fluid medium. The fluid coupling acts as a mediator that transmits power while isolating the generator from direct mechanical shock and torque spikes, thereby maintaining power transmission efficiency while improving system reliability.
2Reliability
If the damper is always active, then component protection is improved, but normal system operation is inhibited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic damper system that adjusts its damping characteristics based on operating conditions. The damper includes a piston and chamber arrangement where the damping force is not constant but varies with the operating state of the wheel axle and generator. This dynamic adjustment allows the damper to provide strong protection during torque spikes while minimizing resistance during normal operation, thus protecting components without inhibiting system performance.
3Device complexity
If the wheel axle is directly connected to the generator, then device complexity is reduced, but vulnerability to torque spikes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a fluid coupling device as an intermediary between the wheel axle and the generator. This fluid coupling includes a pump driven by the wheel axle and a turbine connected to the generator shaft, with torque transmission occurring through a fluid medium. The fluid coupling acts as a mediator that transmits power while isolating the generator from direct mechanical shock and torque spikes, thereby maintaining power transmission efficiency while improving system reliability.
4Reliability
If a fluid coupling is used between the wheel axle and generator, then torque spike protection is improved, but power transmission efficiency may decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a fluid coupling device as an intermediary between the wheel axle and the generator. This fluid coupling includes a pump driven by the wheel axle and a turbine connected to the generator shaft, with torque transmission occurring through a fluid medium. The fluid coupling acts as a mediator that transmits power while isolating the generator from direct mechanical shock and torque spikes, thereby maintaining power transmission efficiency while improving system reliability.
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 damper effectively reduces component damage and vibration feedback, ensuring consistent power supply to the refrigeration unit by absorbing excessive torque, thereby prolonging system life and maintaining performance.
Implementation Method 1
a damper connected to the wheel axle between the wheel and the generator, the damper configured to absorb, deaden, and dampen torque supplied along the wheel axle from the generator to the wheel
Implementation Method 2
the generator configured to be driven to generate electricity by rotation of the wheel axle and to supply that electricity to the transportation refrigeration unit
Data Source
AI summary
A transport refrigeration system (1) includes a transportation refrigeration unit (37); a generator (11) connected to a wheel axle (7A) of the transport refrigeration system (1), the wheel axle (7A) being coupled to a wheel (5), wherein the generator (11) is configured to be driven to generate electricity by rotation of the wheel axle (7A) and to supply that electricity to the transportation refrigeration unit (37); and a damper (23) connected to the wheel axle (7A) between the wheel (5) and the generator (11). Short spikes or pulsations in torque along the wheel axle (7A) resulting from, e.g., harsh braking or wheel blocking can be, dampened, either wholly or partly, by the damper (23) such that damage to the transport refrigeration system (1) can be avoided.