Hybrid Crusher Drive Switching for Safe Engine-Motor Changeover

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing material processing plants face challenges in ensuring reliable operation and efficient energy use, particularly in switching between internal combustion engine and electric motor drives, which can lead to incorrect operation and inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A switching device operatively connects the internal combustion engine clutch and electric motor clutch, ensuring that either the combustion engine or the electric motor is reliably coupled to the drive train in the respective operating state, with automatic switching in case of failures, and includes a hydraulic system for synchronized clutch operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual switching between combustion engine and electric motor is implemented, then operational flexibility is improved, but operational safety deteriorates due to risk of incorrect operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidoperational safety
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The switching device incorporates automatic feedback mechanisms that monitor the operational state and automatically switch between combustion engine and electric motor modes. The control system detects failures or operational conditions and autonomously transitions to the appropriate power source, eliminating manual intervention errors while preserving operational flexibility through adaptive mode switching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The drive system implements self-service through automatic mode switching capability. The switching device autonomously manages the transition between combustion engine and electric motor without requiring operator intervention, thereby maintaining operational flexibility while eliminating risks associated with manual switching operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate control systems for combustion engine clutch and electric motor clutch are used, then operational independence is improved, but device complexity worsens due to multiple switching mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational independenceVSAvoidswitching mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the control functions of the combustion engine clutch and electric motor clutch into a single integrated switching device. This unified control mechanism manages both clutch operations simultaneously, reducing the number of separate switching mechanisms while maintaining the operational independence of each power source through coordinated control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The switching device is designed with multi-functionality to control both the combustion engine clutch and electric motor clutch operations. This universal control mechanism performs multiple functions (managing two different clutch types) through a single system, thereby reducing overall device complexity while preserving the operational independence required for reliable mode switching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If automatic failure switching is implemented, then operational safety is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to reduced manual control

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational safetyVSAvoidmanual control capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The switching device uses feedback mechanisms to monitor system health and automatically switch between power sources when failures are detected. This maintains operational safety through autonomous protection while preserving ease of operation by eliminating the need for manual diagnostics or intervention during failure scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements beforehand cushioning by pre-configuring automatic failure switching capabilities. The switching device is prepared in advance to detect and respond to failures autonomously, ensuring operational safety is maintained without requiring operators to have specialized knowledge or perform complex manual procedures during emergency situations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 enhances operational safety and efficiency by ensuring correct mode switching and optimizing energy use, reducing the need for manual intervention and minimizing operational errors.

Implementation Method 1

a hydraulic system with a pressure generator (18) is provided, wherein the internal combustion engine clutch (13) and the electric motor clutch (19.2) are hydraulically connected in parallel to one another

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentEP4606485A1Drive for a mobile material processing system
Publication Date: 2025.08.27 KLEEMANN
  • EP4606485A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4606485A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4606485A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a drive for a mobile material processing plant (1), in particular for a rock crusher, comprising an internal combustion engine (12) and an electric motor (19). The internal combustion engine (12) can be selectively coupled to or decoupled from a mechanical drive train on the drive side thereof by means of an internal combustion engine coupling (13), and the electric motor (19) can be selectively coupled to or decoupled from the mechanical drive train on the drive side thereof by means of an electric motor coupling (19.2). The drive train has an output side with at least one output, and at least one machine unit, in particular a crushing unit (10), is driven by means of the output(s). In order to ensure reliable operation in a user-friendly manner, it can be provided that the internal combustion engine coupling (13) and the electric motor coupling (19.2) are operatively connected to one another by means of a switching device (40) in such a way that the switching device (40) in an internal combustion engine operating state connects the internal combustion engine (12) to the drive train by means of the internal combustion engine clutch (13) and decouples the electric motor (12) from the drive train, and that the switching device (40) in an electric motor operating state decouples the internal combustion engine (12) from the drive train and couples the electric motor (19) to the drive train by means of the electric motor clutch (19.2).