Regenerative Differential Powertrain for Torsional Vibration Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid electric vehicles with few cylinders experience significant torque fluctuations, leading to large torsional vibrations that are difficult to manage with existing absorption devices, increasing complexity and wasting energy.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an electromechanical hub with electromagnetic machines in a variety of coupling arrangements to capture and convert torsional vibrations into electrical energy, acting as a regenerative vibration absorber and controllable differential, allowing for efficient torque and angular velocity control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional vibration absorption devices (flywheel or damper) are mounted on the drive shaft, then torsional vibrations are absorbed, but device complexity increases and energy is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic machine performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a vibration absorber by counteracting torsional vibrations, serves as a power source or generator for the hybrid vehicle, and functions as a torque converter. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated vibration absorption devices, thereby reducing overall system complexity while still effectively managing torsional vibrations.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of merely dissipating vibration energy as waste heat through traditional dampers, the electromagnetic machine converts the harmful torsional vibrations into useful electrical energy through regenerative braking and power generation modes. This transforms the harmful vibrational energy into a beneficial resource that can be stored and reused, reducing energy waste while maintaining vibration control.
2Loss of energy
If electromagnetic machines are used to capture torsional vibrations, then vibrations are converted into electrical energy, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the vibration absorption function with the existing electromagnetic machine (motor/generator) already required for hybrid vehicle operation. By integrating vibration capture capabilities into the existing electromagnetic machine rather than adding a separate dedicated device, the system recovers energy from vibrations without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic machine is designed to perform multiple roles: propulsion motor, regenerative brake, and vibration energy harvester. This multi-functionality allows the system to capture and convert torsional vibrations into electrical energy using equipment already necessary for hybrid vehicle operation, thereby reducing energy waste without adding dedicated single-purpose devices.
3Use of energy by moving object
If an engine with few cylinders is used, then fuel efficiency improves and construction remains simple, but torque fluctuations increase causing large torsional vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors torque fluctuations and vibration levels from the few-cylinder engine, then adjusts the electromagnetic machine's operation in real-time to counteract these variations. This feedback control allows the simple few-cylinder engine to maintain fuel efficiency while the electromagnetic machine actively compensates for torque fluctuations and reduces harmful torsional vibrations.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic machine dynamically adjusts its torque output and rotational speed parameters to compensate for the inherent torque fluctuations of the few-cylinder engine. By changing these operational parameters in response to detected vibrations, the system maintains smooth power delivery while preserving the fuel efficiency advantages of the simple few-cylinder configuration.
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 effectively absorbs torsional vibrations, converts them into usable energy, and provides controlled torque and angular velocity, reducing complexity and energy waste while enhancing vehicle performance.
Implementation Method 1
an initial stage machine electromechanically coupled to the crankshaft and operative to suppress vibrations of the crankshaft... a mid-stage machine electromechanically coupled between the initial stage machine and the drive shaft... a final stage machine mechanically coupled to the drive shaft
Implementation Method 2
These machines are coupled electromagnetically and mechanically
Data Source
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AI summary
A vehicular system includes a crankshaft, a drive shaft, a plurality of electromagnetic machines mechanically coupling the crankshaft to the drive shaft, a power controller electrically coupled to the plurality of electromagnetic machines and configured to control current and/or voltage provided to, or received from, each electromagnetic machine of the plurality of electromagnetic machines, a supervisory controller communicatively coupled with the power controller and configured to establish an operational mode for the power controller, and a storage device electrically coupled to the power controller to store energy captured by the power controller.