Dual-Motor Crawler Drive for Precise Track Power Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electric or hybrid crawler vehicles for preparing ski runs lack energy efficiency and face challenges in controlling power distribution between drive wheels.
Innovation Solution
A crawler vehicle equipped with two electric motors and an electric power transmission assembly, which transmits power directly to the drive wheels, eliminating the need for hydraulic power transmission and allowing for precise control of power distribution through an electric power transmission assembly and control method.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a hydraulic power transmission system is used to transmit power from the electric motor to the drive wheels, then the power can be transmitted to multiple components, but the energy efficiency deteriorates due to energy loss in hydraulic conversion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the hydraulic power transmission system from the vehicle architecture. Instead of using an electric motor connected to a hydraulic pump and hydraulic actuators, the invention directly connects electric motors to the drive wheels, eliminating the intermediate hydraulic conversion stage and its associated energy losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the hydraulic mechanical system with a direct electric-mechanical connection. Electric motors are directly coupled to the drive wheels through electric power transmission, substituting the complex hydraulic pump-actuator mechanism with a more efficient electric drive system.
2Ease of operation
If a hydraulic power transmission system is used, then power distribution can be achieved, but the control precision and ease of power distribution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hydraulic control system with an electric power transmission and control system. The control unit directly manages power distribution to each electric motor through electric signals, providing more precise and responsive control compared to hydraulic valve mechanisms, while reducing energy loss in the transmission process.
3Force
If hydraulic actuators are used to drive the drive wheels, then the system can provide sufficient force, but the energy efficiency deteriorates due to hydraulic conversion losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the hydraulic actuators and hydraulic pump from the drive system. Instead of using hydraulic actuators to provide drive force, the invention uses electric motors directly coupled to the drive wheels, eliminating the hydraulic conversion losses while maintaining the necessary drive force through direct electric-mechanical conversion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the hydraulic actuation system with direct electric motor drive. The electric motors are mechanically coupled to the drive wheels, providing the necessary force directly through electromagnetic conversion, thereby eliminating the intermediate hydraulic conversion stage that causes energy losses.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a hydraulic power transmission system is used, then the vehicle can operate with a single power source, but the adaptability and precise control of individual drive wheels deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power transmission system by providing separate electric motors for each drive wheel. This segmentation allows independent control of each wheel while simplifying the overall system architecture by eliminating the need for a centralized hydraulic distribution network and multiple hydraulic actuators.
Solution Approach 2:
The electric motor system provides multi-functionality by enabling both independent wheel control and simplified system architecture. The same electric motor configuration that provides independent control also reduces system complexity compared to hydraulic systems, as electric power transmission requires fewer intermediate components and control elements.
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 enhances energy efficiency and enables optimal control of power to the drive wheels, improving the overall performance of the crawler vehicle by optimizing power use and eliminating the need for hydraulic systems.
Implementation Method 1
an electric energy storage unit configured to deliver electric power; and an electric power transmission assembly, which is configured to transmit electric power... to the first and to the second electric motor
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A crawler vehicle has a first track (3) and a second track (4); a first drive wheel (5) and a second drive wheel (6) independent of each other and coupled to the first and to the second track (3, 4) respectively; a first electric motor (13) and a second electric motor (14) mechanically coupled to the first and to the second drive wheel (5, 6) respectively; an electric energy storage unit (15) configured to deliver electric power; and an electric power transmission assembly (16), which is configured to transmit electric power from the energy storage unit (15) to the first and to the second electric motor (13, 14) and comprises a first inverter (17) electrically coupled to the first electric motor (13), and a second inverter (18) electrically coupled to the second electric motor (14).