Clutch Compressor Independent Drive Shaft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern vehicles face challenges in ensuring the independent operation of ancillary units like the clutch compressor and power steering pump, where the failure of one unit can lead to simultaneous failure of the other, compromising safety and fuel efficiency, especially due to high peak torques and interdependent drive systems.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a separate drive shaft for the clutch compressor, with independent transmission ratios, allows for independent operation of the power steering pump and clutch compressor, ensuring that the failure of one unit does not affect the other, and includes a control system for optimized energy management and redundancy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the clutch compressor and power steering pump are driven by the same drive shaft, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability decreases because the failure of one ancillary unit causes the failure of the other
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the drive system into two independent drive shafts: a first drive shaft for the power steering pump and a second drive shaft for the clutch compressor. This segmentation ensures that a failure in one drive system does not affect the other, thereby improving reliability while maintaining manageable complexity through modular architecture.
2Reliability
If the clutch compressor is operated continuously to ensure safety, then the reliability improves, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch compressor is equipped with a clutch mechanism that enables periodic operation rather than continuous operation. The control system activates the clutch compressor only when compressed air pressure falls below a predetermined threshold, allowing the engine to recharge the air reservoir during normal operation and reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining safety through timely intervention.
3Device complexity
If the transmission ratios are fixed for both ancillary units, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements variable transmission ratios for both the power steering pump and clutch compressor through independently controllable clutch mechanisms. The transmission ratio for each ancillary unit can be dynamically adjusted based on operational requirements, allowing optimal performance across different driving conditions while maintaining a relatively simple base mechanical structure.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a vehicle (10) comprising a drive shaft (14) which transmits torque onto a first drive (16), a clutch compressor (28) and a power steering pump (44), said power steering pump (44) being driven by an output shaft (66) which transmits torque from the first drive (16) onto the power steering pump (44). The invention further relates to a method for controlling a power steering pump (44) and a clutch compressor (28) in a vehicle. The invention is characterized by an additional output shaft (68) for driving the clutch compressor (28), said additional output shaft (68) being arranged on a second drive (18) onto which toque is transmitted by the drive shaft (14) which is driven by the engine (12), the additional output shaft (68) transmitting torque from the second drive (18) onto the clutch compressor (28).