Construction Machine Hybrid Drive Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Construction machines face challenges in achieving environmentally friendly and independent energy supply due to stringent emission regulations and the high energy requirements of mobile operations, particularly in remote locations where power supply is unreliable.
Innovation Solution
The construction machine employs a main electric motor with power accumulators and an auxiliary drive unit outside the housing, which can be a diesel or internal combustion engine, to support or replace the main motor, converting mechanical energy into hydraulic, pneumatic, or electrical energy for efficient transmission and use by the transfer case.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a diesel engine is used as the main drive unit, then high power and independent energy supply are achieved, but noise and exhaust emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the diesel engine (mechanical combustion system) with an electric motor as the main drive unit. The electric motor is powered by energy storage devices (batteries, capacitors) and/or external power supply, eliminating the combustion process that generates noise and exhaust emissions. This substitution maintains the required power output while removing the harmful factors associated with diesel engines.
2Reliability
If energy storage devices are placed on the construction machine, then independent energy supply is improved, but the operating duration is limited due to space constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple energy supply sources: energy storage devices (batteries, capacitors) mounted on the construction machine are merged with an external power supply connection. This allows the system to draw power from both onboard storage (for immediate independence and short-term operation) and external sources (for extended operation), thereby extending the overall operating duration while maintaining independent energy supply capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy supply system is designed to serve multiple functions: it can operate independently using onboard energy storage devices for short-term operations, connect to external power supplies for extended operations, and provide power to various consumer devices on the construction machine. This multi-functional design maximizes the utility of the energy storage system within space constraints.
3Volume of stationary object
If the auxiliary drive unit is arranged outside the housing, then space inside the superstructure is saved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the drive system into two distinct parts: the main electric motor and energy storage devices are housed inside the superstructure, while the auxiliary drive unit is placed outside. This segmentation allows the internal space to be optimized for the main drive components, while the auxiliary unit outside provides additional functionality without consuming precious internal space. The modular segmentation reduces internal volume requirements despite increasing overall system complexity.
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 configuration ensures reliable operation of construction machines in remote locations by providing a backup energy source, reducing noise and emissions, and maintaining efficient energy transmission to consumer devices.
Implementation Method 1
the main drive is a main electric motor
Implementation Method 2
converting mechanical energy into hydraulic, pneumatic, or electrical energy for efficient transmission
Implementation Method 3
main electric motor with power accumulators
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a construction machine comprising an undercarriage designed as a chassis, a superstructure arranged on the undercarriage, a main drive unit with a main drive, a transfer case driven by the main drive, and at least one energy converter which converts mechanical energy from the transfer case into another form of energy, wherein the main drive, the transfer case, and the energy converter are surrounded and enclosed by a housing of the superstructure, and at least one consumption device which is arranged outside the housing and is supplied with the converted energy from at least one of the energy converters. According to the invention, the main drive is a main electric motor, and at least one auxiliary drive unit is arranged outside the housing, by which the transfer case can additionally be driven to replace or support the main electric motor.