Drive Train Torque Boosting via Synchronous Electric Motor
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drive train systems, particularly in industrial and agricultural applications, face challenges in rapidly responding to sudden increases in engine load due to material lag associated with turbo-charging or super-charging, which limits their effectiveness in managing fluctuating engine loads.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a torque sensor and a data processor that activates an electric motor synchronously with the engine speed to provide supplemental torque, using a supplemental torque versus engine speed curve that intercepts the baseline torque curve at specific speed points, allowing for rapid adjustment of torque output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If turbo-charging or super-charging is used to increase torque, then torque output is improved, but material lag occurs which reduces responsiveness to sudden load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electric motor is pre-positioned and pre-powered (via the energy storage device) to provide immediate torque assistance when load changes are detected, eliminating the material lag inherent in turbo-charging systems that require time to build pressure
Solution Approach 2:
An electric motor-generator system acts as an intermediary between the internal combustion engine and the load, providing rapid torque supplementation through electrical energy conversion without the mechanical inertia and pressure buildup delays of turbo-charging systems
2Speed
If an electric motor is activated to rotate substantially synchronously with engine speed, then rapid torque boosting is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electric motor-generator unit serves multiple functions: it acts as a motor to provide torque boosting, as a generator to recover energy during braking or load reduction, and as a coupling device between the engine and transmission, eliminating the need for separate components for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the electric motor, generator, and control systems into an integrated hybrid powertrain architecture where the energy storage device, motor controller, and engine management system work as a unified control unit, reducing overall system complexity despite adding functional capabilities
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 enables responsive and efficient boosting of torque output, reducing thermal and mechanical stress by aligning engine and motor speeds and torques, thereby improving the drive train's ability to handle fluctuating loads without material lag.
Implementation Method 1
the electric motor is activated to rotate substantially synchronously with a corresponding engine speed associated with the detected engine torque in accordance with a supplemental torque versus engine speed curve
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for boosting a torque output of a drive train comprises a torque sensor for detecting an engine torque of an engine having a baseline torque versus engine speed curve. A data processor determines if the detected engine torque is within a first torque range, if the detected engine torque is within the first range, the electric motor is activated to rotate substantially synchronously with a corresponding engine speed associated with the detected engine torque in accordance with a supplemental torque versus engine speed curve. The supplemental torque versus engine speed curve intercepts the baseline torque versus engine speed curve at a first lower speed point and a first higher speed point.