Controllable Drive Module for Long Commercial Vehicle Trains
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Solution Overview
Problem
Long commercial vehicle combinations face challenges with increased tire wear and traction limits due to single driven axle configurations, particularly in heavy loads, leading to inefficiencies in energy use and maneuverability in logistics centers.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a controllable and switchable drive module, which can be activated based on driving conditions, to distribute traction across additional drive axles, reducing tire wear and enhancing energy efficiency, using electric motors or hydraulic systems for power and communication with the tractor unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single driven axle configuration is used in long commercial vehicle combinations, then the device complexity is reduced, but tire wear increases and traction limit is exceeded under heavy loads
Solution Approach 1:
The drive system is segmented by dividing the single driven axle into multiple driven axles distributed across the vehicle combination. The patent applies this by equipping the dolly with additional driven axles that can be independently controlled, allowing the traction function to be distributed across multiple contact points with the road, thereby reducing wear on individual tires while increasing overall traction capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive system is made dynamic by enabling selective activation of driven axles based on operational requirements. The patent implements this through a control system that can dynamically switch between different drive configurations - activating additional driven axles on the dolly when extra traction is needed, and deactivating them when not required, thus adapting the system to varying load and road conditions.
2Reliability
If additional driven axles are added to the vehicle combination, then traction capability and energy efficiency improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dolly is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a coupling element for extending the vehicle combination and as a source of additional driven axles. The patent makes the dolly's axles capable of functioning as driven axles when needed, while maintaining their basic function as running axles, thus providing universal utility and reducing the need for separate dedicated drive components.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system for the additional driven axles is integrated into the existing vehicle control architecture, allowing the system to self-regulate and distribute power automatically based on sensor feedback and operational conditions. This self-service capability reduces the need for complex external control mechanisms and manual intervention.
3Ease of operation
If a single driven axle is used, then the ease of operation is maintained, but energy efficiency deteriorates under heavy loads due to premature traction limit
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms through sensors that monitor traction conditions, wheel slip, and power demand. This feedback is fed to the control system, which automatically adjusts the activation and power distribution to the additional driven axles, optimizing energy efficiency while maintaining ease of operation through automated control rather than manual intervention.
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 improves energy efficiency and reduces tire wear by dynamically allocating traction, supporting the tractor during starting, braking, and inclines, while enabling efficient maneuvering in logistics centers.
Implementation Method 1
the drive module has a drive unit which is designed to be automatically controlled and temporarily switchable by means of a control unit depending on the determined driving operating state
Implementation Method 2
using electric motors or hydraulic systems for power
Implementation Method 3
reducing tire wear and enhancing energy efficiency, supporting the tractor during starting, braking, and inclines
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a road vehicle-tractor combination, in particular as a long commercial vehicle combination, with a steerable tractor unit (2; 14; 21) with at least one driven axle (6; 15) in combination with at least one vehicle coupled to the tractor unit (2; 14; 21), in particular in combination with at least one semi-trailer (5; 16; 23; 26) and/or with at least one dolly (3; 22; 24) with semi-trailer (5; 23; 26) and/or with at least one trailer (19) as a transport trailer. According to the invention, at least one axle (9; 12; 17; 25) of the vehicle coupled to the tractor (2; 14; 21) is designed as a drive module and temporarily a drive axle, wherein the drive module has a drive unit (28) which can be automatically controlled and switched on for a limited time by means of a control unit (29) depending on the determined driving operating state and the determined drive requirement of the road vehicle-train combination (1).