Dual Electric Propulsion Line Torque Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electric motors in commercial and industrial vehicles require dedicated control strategies to ensure adequate mileage, robustness, and performance, which is challenging due to their distinct characteristics compared to internal combustion motors.

Innovation Solution

A propulsion system with two parallel lines, each comprising an electric motor, gearbox, and clutch, where the control of one line is independent of the other, allowing for torque distribution and load balancing to minimize losses and ensure fair wear, with a processing unit managing the distribution based on torque requirements and vehicle speed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If two parallel propulsion lines are used to ensure robustness and performance, then system reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The propulsion system is divided into two independent propulsion lines, each with its own electric motor, gearbox, and clutch. This segmentation allows each line to operate independently, improving reliability while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Both propulsion lines use identical components (electric motor, gearbox, clutch), making them universal and interchangeable. This multi-functionality allows either line to handle the entire propulsion load if needed, simplifying the control strategy while ensuring robustness

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

2Reliability

If torque is distributed between two propulsion lines, then load balance and fair wear are improved, but control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload balanceVSAvoidcontrol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The torque distribution between the two propulsion lines is dynamically adjusted based on real-time operating conditions such as required torque and vehicle speed. The control system can shift load between lines to ensure fair wear while adapting to changing demands

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control system monitors the operational state of both propulsion lines and uses feedback to distribute torque appropriately. This ensures load balance and fair wear while managing control complexity through systematic decision-making algorithms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Loss of energy

If a propulsion line is deactivated when torque is low, then energy efficiency is improved, but loss of time occurs during activation/deactivation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidactivation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The propulsion lines are periodically activated and deactivated based on torque requirements. This periodic action optimizes energy efficiency by keeping only necessary lines active, while the system is designed to minimize activation/deactivation time through ready-state components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

4Adaptability or versatility

If independent control of propulsion lines is implemented, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidcontrol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each propulsion line has independent control, allowing them to operate differently based on specific conditions. This segmentation provides operational flexibility while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized control modules

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control system adjusts operational parameters (torque distribution, activation state) of each propulsion line independently based on required torque and vehicle speed, providing adaptability while using systematic parameter management to control complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4147900A1Method for managing an electric propulsion system and electric propulsion system implementing the method
Publication Date: 2023.03.15 FPT IND SPA
  • EP4147900A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4147900A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4147900A1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

Electric propulsion system (S) comprising a first (L1) and a second (L2) propulsion line, operatively connectable to a driving axle (X), each propulsion line comprising an electric motor (Ml, M2), a gearbox (G1, G2) comprising at least two transmission ratios (1st Gear, 2nd Gear), means (C1, C2) for disconnecting the relative propulsion line of the driving axle (X), the system comprising processing means (ECU) configured for distribute a required torque (TD) between said first and second propulsion lines and to select, for each propulsion line, a relative transmission ratio.