Axle Support Element Recuperation Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support arrangements for vehicles and trailers are expensive and require significant design changes or weakening of the frame to provide electrical energy, particularly for commercial vehicle trailers, which need electrical power for lighting and traction drives.
Innovation Solution
A support arrangement that includes an axle support element and a recuperation device mounted directly or indirectly on the axle support element, which converts kinetic energy from the wheel into electrical energy, allowing for a cost-effective and simple electrical energy supply without the need for internal combustion engines or extensive design modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If an internal combustion engine or generator is arranged in the axle hub or on the frame to provide electrical energy, then electrical power supply is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the generator from the traditional power supply systems (frame-mounted or hub-integrated) and relocates it to the axle support element. This extraction simplifies the overall system by eliminating the need for complex routing and mounting structures while maintaining the electrical power supply function.
Solution Approach 2:
The axle support element itself serves dual functions: mechanical support for the axle and mounting structure for the generator. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate frame modifications or hub integrations, reducing system complexity while providing electrical energy.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a generator is arranged in the axle hub or on the frame, then electrical energy is provided, but the frame is weakened and significant design changes are required
Solution Approach 1:
The generator mounting function is extracted from the frame structure and transferred to the axle support element. This extraction preserves the frame's structural integrity by eliminating the need for frame modifications, while the axle support element provides the necessary mounting surface without compromising frame strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting function is segmented from the frame structure and assigned to the axle support element. This segmentation allows the frame to maintain its original strength characteristics while the axle support element serves as a dedicated mounting platform for the generator.
3Use of energy by moving object
If an internal combustion engine or generator is arranged to provide electrical energy, then power supply is improved, but expensive components and significant design changes are required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the generator mounting function with the axle support element, combining two previously separate functions into a single integrated component. This merging eliminates the need for separate mounting structures and reduces overall system cost while maintaining electrical power supply capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The axle support element is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a mechanical support for the axle and as a mounting structure for the generator. This universality reduces the need for additional components and simplifies manufacturing, improving cost-effectiveness.
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
This solution provides a stable, cost-effective, and mechanically resilient support for axles while generating electrical energy, reducing the need for expensive power sources and design changes, and is suitable for commercial vehicle trailers with high axle loads.
Implementation Method 1
the recuperation device being designed to convert kinetic energy, in particular of a wheel, into electrical energy
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
Support arrangement (1), in particular for a trailer, comprising an axle support element (10) and a recuperation device (20), wherein the axle support element (10) is designed to support an axle (30), wherein the recuperation device (20) is designed to convert kinetic energy, in particular of a wheel (80), into electrical energy, wherein the recuperation device (20) is mounted by means of and/or directly on the axle support element (10).