Axle-Driven Generator Control to Prevent Trailer Wheel Blocking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Axle driven generators in transport refrigeration systems can cause wheel blocking due to applied torque, especially in low-grip conditions, and existing systems lack effective control mechanisms to manage this issue.

Innovation Solution

A controller is used to disengage the axle driven generator from the axle in response to specific disengagement conditions, including antilock brake system operation, roll stability support system activation, connection issues, wheel blocking risk, or system faults, and reengage it gradually when conditions improve.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If the axle driven generator applies torque to generate power, then the transport refrigeration unit is powered, but wheel blocking occurs in low-grip conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower generationVSAvoidwheel blocking
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the engagement state of the axle driven generator based on real-time detection of wheel blocking risk. The controller monitors conditions such as antilock brake system operation, roll stability support system activation, and wheel speed differential, and selectively engages or disengages the generator to prevent wheel blocking while maintaining power generation capability when safe

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where the controller continuously monitors operational parameters including antilock brake system status, roll stability support system status, and wheel speed differential. Based on this feedback, the controller automatically adjusts the generator engagement state to prevent wheel blocking while maintaining refrigeration power supply

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the axle driven generator is disengaged to prevent wheel blocking, then wheel blocking is prevented, but power supply to the refrigeration unit is interrupted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewheel blocking preventionVSAvoidpower supply to refrigeration unit
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs multiple power sources including the axle driven generator, battery, and external power inlet. When the generator is disengaged to prevent wheel blocking, the controller automatically switches to alternative power sources to maintain continuous operation of the refrigeration unit, ensuring both wheel blocking prevention and uninterrupted power supply

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the axle driven generator is gradually reengaged after disengagement, then smooth power transition is achieved, but reengagement time is extended

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation stabilityVSAvoidreengagement time
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements dynamic reengagement control where the generator is gradually reengaged over multiple cycles rather than instantaneously. The controller increases generator power output incrementally while monitoring wheel blocking risk conditions, achieving smooth power transition and operational stability while minimizing reengagement time through optimized control algorithms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 effectively prevents wheel blocking and ensures stable operation of the transport refrigeration system by dynamically managing the axle driven generator's engagement based on vehicle conditions, enhancing safety and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

an axle driven generator connected to the axle, the axle driven generator configured to provide power to the transport refrigeration unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a controller in communication with the axle driven generator, the controller configured to disengage the axle driven generator from the axle in response to the presence of one or more disengagement conditions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentEP4242078B1Management of axle driven generator in a transport refrigeration system
Publication Date: 2025.12.17 CARRIER CORP
  • EP4242078B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4242078B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4242078B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A transport refrigeration system (20) includes a trailer (24) having an axle (204); a transport refrigeration unit (26) mounted to the trailer, transport refrigeration unit configured to cool a cargo compartment (40) of the trailer; an axle driven generator (206) connected to the axle, the axle driven generator configured to provide power to the transport refrigeration unit; a controller (230) in communication with the axle driven generator, the controller configured to disengage the axle driven generator from the axle in response to the presence of one or more disengagement conditions.