Changeover Clutch Linkage for Selective Machine-Unit Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing material processing systems face inefficiencies due to the continuous operation of machine units regardless of their necessity, leading to unnecessary energy consumption and reduced overall system efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates a shiftable machine-unit clutch that couples or uncouples machine units to the drive train based on operational mode, allowing selective engagement of the internal combustion engine or electric motor, and uses a coupling mechanism between the electric-motor and internal-combustion-engine clutches to manage machine-unit operation, optimizing energy use by disconnecting unnecessary units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If machine units are continuously coupled to the drive train, then they remain ready for operation, but energy is wasted dragging unnecessary units along
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch mechanism dynamically adjusts the coupling state of machine units based on operational requirements. In electric-motor mode, the generator clutch is disengaged to prevent energy waste, while in internal-combustion-engine mode, it is engaged to enable power generation. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by making the system adaptable rather than static.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically manages the coupling state of machine units through the interconnection of clutch mechanisms. When the electric-motor clutch engages, the generator clutch automatically disengages via the interconnecting coupling, and vice versa. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual intervention and ensures energy efficiency without compromising operational readiness.
2Productivity
If the generator is always coupled to the drive train, then it can immediately generate electricity, but it creates unnecessary load during electric-motor mode
Solution Approach 1:
The generator clutch dynamically changes its engagement state based on the operational mode. During electric-motor mode, it remains disengaged to minimize energy consumption, while during internal-combustion-engine mode, it engages to enable electricity generation. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between productivity and energy efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If multiple clutches are independently controlled, then each machine unit can be precisely managed, but the control system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch mechanisms are interconnected through a coupling that links the electric-motor clutch and generator clutch. This merging of control functions ensures that when one clutch engages, the other automatically disengages, simplifying the control system while maintaining precise management of machine units. The interconnection reduces the number of independent control signals needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The interconnecting coupling acts as an intermediary between the electric-motor clutch and generator clutch. It automatically transmits the engagement/disengagement state from one clutch to the other, reducing control complexity while ensuring precise coordination. This intermediary mechanism eliminates the need for complex multi-clutch control logic.
Data Source
AI summary
A drive for a mobile material processing plant includes an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. The internal combustion engine can be selectively coupled to or uncoupled from a mechanical drive train at its drive end by an internal-combustion-engine clutch and the electric motor can be selectively coupled to or uncoupled from the mechanical drive train by an electric-motor clutch. The drive train has an output end having at least one output, wherein at least one machine unit, in particular an electric generator, is driven by the output(s). The at least one machine unit may be coupled to or uncoupled from the output by a shiftable machine-unit clutch, and the electric-motor clutch or the internal-combustion-engine clutch may be operatively connected to the machine-unit clutch via a coupling, in particular a mechanical or hydraulic coupling.