Dual-Path Motor Drive Assembly With Planetary Braking in Compact Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric powertrains for large machines face challenges in meeting performance standards while being physically large enough to fit within the machine's compartment, due to size, inertia, and cost constraints, leading to increased complexity and reduced durability.
Innovation Solution
A dual path electric powertrain with coaxially aligned motor drive assemblies, including a final drive assembly, electric motor, planetary gear assembly, and brake assembly, configured to provide high torque and retarding power within a compact modular design, allowing the powertrain to fit within the machine's compartment without increasing the track gauge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a single motor is used on each drive element to meet performance standards, then propulsion power and drawbar pull are improved, but the motor drive assembly becomes physically too large to fit within the desired compartment
Solution Approach 1:
The motor drive assembly is segmented into two separate electric motors, with each motor coupled to a respective driving member. This segmentation allows each motor to be smaller in size while collectively providing the required propulsion power, enabling the assembly to fit within the desired compartment volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the radial dimension by positioning the two electric motors side-by-side in a radial arrangement around the central axis. This dimensional arrangement allows efficient use of space within the compartment, accommodating both motors without increasing the overall footprint beyond acceptable limits.
2Volume of moving object
If motor drive assembly size is reduced to fit within the compartment, then packaging and weight are improved, but performance capabilities such as steering responsiveness and drawbar pull deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the power delivery function across two separate motors, each motor can be optimized for specific performance requirements while maintaining a compact overall assembly size. The combined output of both motors achieves the necessary drawbar pull despite the reduced individual motor sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The two electric motors are merged in their functional output through the differential assembly, where their combined torque contributes to the total drawbar pull. This merging of power streams allows the compact dual-motor assembly to achieve performance equivalent to or exceeding single-motor designs.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If traditional mechanical systems are replaced with electric powertrain, then emissions are reduced and fuel efficiency is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electric motor assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: propulsion, steering control, and regenerative braking. By integrating these functions into a unified electric powertrain system with shared components, the patent reduces overall system complexity compared to maintaining separate mechanical systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The electric powertrain system incorporates regenerative braking capability where the electric motors serve as generators during deceleration, automatically recovering energy and storing it in the energy storage system. This self-service function reduces the need for separate mechanical braking systems and energy recovery devices, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
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 compact, high-performance dual path electric powertrain that meets propulsion, steering, and braking requirements, improving durability and serviceability while reducing complexity and costs by using interchangeable components, and achieving performance specifications such as torque and power ratios within a desired response window.
Implementation Method 1
a planetary gear assembly mechanically coupled to a rotor shaft of the electric motor and an axle of the final drive assembly
Implementation Method 2
a brake assembly to engage a component of the planetary gear assembly to retard the rotor shaft and the axle
Data Source
AI summary
A motor drive assembly for a dual path electric powertrain of a machine is disclosed. The motor drive assembly may include a final drive assembly to engage a ground engaging element of the machine. The motor drive assembly may include an electric motor to provide torque to the final drive assembly. The motor drive assembly may include a planetary gear assembly mechanically coupled to a rotor shaft of the electric motor and an axle of the final drive assembly. The motor drive assembly may include a brake assembly to engage a component of the planetary gear assembly to retard the rotor shaft and the axle.