Working Machine Drive Assembly for Seamless Torque-Speed Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drive arrangements for working machines, particularly those transitioning from internal combustion engines to electric motors, face issues of non-seamless shiftable gears, insufficient gear options, structural complexity, and inadequate torque and speed control.
Innovation Solution
A drive arrangement featuring two energy machines (electric motors or fuel cells) with a control unit that switches seamlessly between modes based on torque and speed thresholds, allowing synchronized gear changes without a second gear and enabling multiple gears through a compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a superimposed gearbox with an additional electric motor is used for speed control of the PTO shaft, then speed control capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single electric motor is designed to perform multiple functions: it can directly drive the PTO shaft for speed control, and through the clutch mechanism, it can also drive the drive wheels. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate gearboxes for different drive paths, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining speed control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
A clutch mechanism is introduced as an intermediary component that selectively connects or disconnects the electric motor from different drive paths (PTO shaft or drive wheels). This clutch acts as a mediator that enables flexible power distribution without requiring complex permanent mechanical linkages, simplifying the overall drivetrain architecture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple gears are provided for the drive system and PTO shaft, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of providing multiple fixed gears mechanically, the system uses dynamic control of the electric motor's rotational speed and torque output. The motor can dynamically adjust its operating parameters to provide different gear-like effects, enabling adaptable speed and torque control without physical gear shifts, thus maintaining simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical gearbox system with an electrically controlled drive system. The electric motor's electronic control replaces mechanical gear shifting, eliminating the need for complex multi-gear mechanisms while providing equivalent or superior adaptability through electronic speed and torque regulation.
3Ease of operation
If seamless gear shifting is implemented, then operational smoothness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical gear shifting mechanisms with electronic control of the electric motor. The motor's rotational speed can be continuously and seamlessly adjusted through electronic control without mechanical engagement or disengagement, achieving smooth transitions without the complexity of synchronized meshing gears or clutch mechanisms required in traditional mechanical systems.
4Device complexity
If a compact drive system design is used, then device complexity is reduced, but torque and speed control capability may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The electric motor's ability to change its operating parameters (rotational speed and torque output) over a wide range allows a compact single-motor design to replace what would traditionally require multiple motors or complex gear systems. The motor can dynamically adjust its parameters to provide high torque at low speeds or high speed at low torque, maintaining full control capability in a compact 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
The solution provides seamless gear shifting, avoids vibrations and shift shocks, and allows for high traction torque and speed optimization with a simplified, compact drive system.
Implementation Method 1
The first and/or second energy machine can be configured as a fuel cell
Implementation Method 2
The first and/or second energy machine can be configured as electric motors
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a drive arrangement (22) for a working machine (10). The drive arrangement (22) comprises a first and a second power machine (40, 42), a drive unit (44), and a first power output (46). The first power machine (40) is connected to the drive unit (44), and the second power machine (42) is connected to the first power output (46) when the rotational speed (n) of the first power machine (40) is less than or equal to a speed threshold (nthreshold), and the second power machine (42) is connected to the drive unit (44) when the rotational speed (n) of the first power machine (40) is greater than the speed threshold (nthreshold). The invention further relates to an axle (100) and a working machine (10).