Compressor Clutch Decoupling for Hydraulic Pump Independence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional compressor systems in commercial vehicles face challenges in decoupling the compressor from the drive motor while maintaining the operation of the hydraulic pump, leading to issues such as loss of power steering assistance, which is critical for safety.
Innovation Solution
The compressor system includes a gear train that allows the hydraulic pump to be driven independently of the compressor, with a clutch positioned between the gear train and the compressor, enabling decoupling without affecting the hydraulic pump's operation, and integrating the compressor and hydraulic pump into a common housing for efficient cooling and separate optimization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the compressor is completely decoupled from the drive motor using a clutch, then energy consumption is reduced, but the hydraulic pump is also decoupled causing loss of power steering assistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the drive train into two independent power transmission paths: one path drives the compressor through the clutch, and another path drives the hydraulic pump through a separate clutch arrangement. This allows the compressor and hydraulic pump to be independently controlled, enabling the compressor to be decoupled for energy savings while the hydraulic pump remains connected to maintain power steering assistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (separate clutch control system) that mediates between the drive motor and the two driven components. This intermediary allows selective engagement/disengagement of the compressor without affecting the hydraulic pump's connection to the drive train, resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and safety.
2Device complexity
If the hydraulic pump is arranged on the output side of the compressor crankshaft, then the mechanical connection is simplified, but the pump cannot operate independently when the compressor is decoupled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power transmission system into separate drive paths for the compressor and hydraulic pump. Instead of coupling the pump to the compressor output, the pump receives drive power directly from the drive train through a separate clutch mechanism, enabling independent operation of each component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic clutch control that allows the system to adapt its configuration based on operational requirements. The clutches can be dynamically engaged or disengaged to provide different operational modes: both components connected, only compressor connected, only pump connected, or both disconnected, thereby achieving versatility while maintaining manageable mechanical complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a compressor system (10) for supplying compressed air to a utility vehicle (20). Said compressor system (10) comprises a compressor (12), a clutch (22), and a hydraulic pump (14) and can be driven by means of a drive train (16). The compressor (12) can be completely disconnected from a driving engine (18) by means of the clutch (22). According to the invention, the drive train (16) encompasses a geared drive mechanism (30) which allows the hydraulic pump (14) to be driven, and the clutch (22) is arranged between the geared drive mechanism (30) and the compressor (12). The invention further relates to a method for operating a compressor system (10).