Vehicular Drive Controller Electric Energy Restriction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicular drive systems with differential mechanisms and electric motors face challenges in reducing size and improving fuel economy, as the required size of electric motors increases with engine output, leading to increased cooling demands and potential durability issues due to high electric energy transmission during high-load conditions.
Innovation Solution
A control apparatus that includes a differential limiting device and electric-energy restriction control means to limit the differential function of the differential mechanism, restricting electric energy transmission and reducing the load on components, allowing for a smaller cooling system and improved durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the required output of the engine is increased, then the power transmitting capability is improved, but the required size of the first electric motor increases, resulting in an increase of the required size of the second electric motor and the overall drive system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical power transmission path with an electric path. Instead of mechanically transmitting power from the first electric motor to the second electric motor, the system converts power to electrical energy, transmits it through wires, and converts it back to mechanical power. This substitution eliminates the need for oversized mechanical transmission components, allowing the electric motors to be sized based on actual power requirements rather than peak load demands.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the electric motors by controlling their output based on actual vehicle conditions. The control apparatus adjusts the output of the first and second electric motors dynamically, allowing them to operate at optimal sizes for different driving conditions rather than being oversized for all conditions. This parameter control enables smaller motor sizes while maintaining adequate power transmitting capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a portion of the engine output is converted into electric energy and transmitted through the electric path, then the continuously variable transmission function is achieved, but the fuel economy deteriorates in high-speed running conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of the power transmission path, allowing the system to switch between mechanical and electric transmission modes based on operating conditions. The control apparatus dynamically adjusts which path is used for power transmission, enabling the system to achieve both CVT functionality and fuel efficiency by selecting the appropriate transmission mode for each driving condition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the power transmission system by controlling the output of electric motors and the engagement of transmission paths. By dynamically adjusting these parameters, the system can optimize fuel economy while maintaining CVT functionality when needed, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and energy efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the amount of generation of electric energy by the first electric motor is increased during high-load low-speed running, then the power distributing mechanism functions as electric CVT, but the temperatures of the electric motors rise considerably, reducing the function and durability of components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by monitoring the temperatures of the electric motors and adjusting the power transmission accordingly. The control apparatus receives temperature information and uses it to control the output of the electric motors, preventing excessive temperature rise that would compromise component durability while maintaining CVT functionality within safe operating limits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent prepares for potential overheating by implementing preventive control measures. The control apparatus monitors operating conditions and adjusts power transmission before temperatures reach dangerous levels, cushioning against the harmful effects of excessive heat and preventing durability issues before they occur.
4Temperature
If the cooling capacity is increased to avoid temperature rise of cooling water, then the temperature control capability is improved, but the size and weight of the cooling system components increase, leading to increased manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the need for large mechanical cooling system components with electrical control. Instead of using oversized radiators, fans, and cooling channels to manage heat, the system uses electronic control to manage power transmission and minimize heat generation in the first place. This substitution allows adequate temperature control with a much smaller, lighter cooling system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the electric motors to reduce heat generation. By controlling the output and operating conditions of the electric motors, the system minimizes the thermal load that the cooling system must handle, enabling adequate temperature control with reduced cooling system size and weight.
5Strength
If the capacities of the components associated with the electric path are increased to withstand the loads, then the load bearing capability is improved, but the sizes and weights of these components increase, unfavorably leading to increased manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the electric path components by controlling the power transmission levels. The control apparatus adjusts the output of the electric motors and the amount of power transmitted electrically, allowing standard-capacity components to withstand the required loads without needing oversized, heavy construction. The dynamic parameter control enables components to be sized for average conditions rather than peak loads.
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 enables a reduction in the size of the electric motor and cooling system while maintaining fuel efficiency by limiting electric energy transmission and reducing component loads, thereby improving durability and reducing the overall size and weight of the vehicular drive system.
Implementation Method 1
an electric energy generated by a first electric motor (M1) is transmitted through an electric path to a second electric motor (M2) and converted into a mechanical energy
Implementation Method 2
an electric energy generated by a first electric motor (M1) is transmitted through an electric path to a second electric motor (M2) and converted into a mechanical energy
Implementation Method 3
the cooling water temperature has increased to a predetermined upper limit
Data Source
AI summary
A control apparatus for a vehicular drive system arranged to electrically transmit a portion of an output force of an engine through an electric path. The control apparatus is configured to reduce loads of components associated with the electric path and to restrict a temperature rise of the components associated with the electric path, making it possible to reduce the required size of a cooling system. This is accomplished by placing a differential portion in a non-differential state or placing a switching clutch or switching brake in a partially engaged state when electrical energy through the electric path has increased to a thermal limit. As a result, the amount of generated electric energy is reduced, making it possible to restrict the temperature rise of the components associated with the electric path. Accordingly, the cooling system size can be reduced for these components.