Dynamic Tag E-Axle Control for Route-Based Energy Saving
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Large vehicles face inefficiencies in energy consumption and emission management due to varying terrain and cargo weights, as traditional drivetrain systems struggle to optimize energy use and reduce emissions across different road conditions.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a drivetrain system featuring a motor/generator, battery system, and dynamic tag e-axle, which can be raised or lowered, coupled with a control system that adjusts the e-axle position and operating parameters based on route data and vehicle configuration to minimize energy loss and emissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional internal combustion engine is sized to provide enough power for heavy cargo and steep grades, then the vehicle can handle all terrain conditions, but energy consumption and emissions increase significantly on flat terrain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the drivetrain configuration changeable through a switchable e-axle system. The e-axle can be dynamically engaged or disengaged based on terrain conditions and cargo weight, allowing the vehicle to adapt its powertrain configuration in real-time. This resolves the contradiction by enabling the vehicle to use the full-power configuration only when necessary for steep grades or heavy cargo, while using a reduced-power configuration for flat terrain to minimize energy consumption.
2Speed
If the driver uses engine braking to decelerate quickly, then deceleration performance improves, but emissions increase and noise is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the braking function from the engine by implementing a separate brake system that can provide deceleration without engaging the engine. The switchable e-axle allows the vehicle to disengage the engine from the drivetrain during deceleration, enabling the use of friction brakes alone. This resolves the contradiction by providing quick deceleration through the brake system while avoiding engine braking, thereby eliminating the associated emissions and noise.
3Reliability
If the drive axle remains engaged during downhill descent to use engine braking, then control and safety improve, but energy is consumed and emissions are produced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling real-time switching of the e-axle engagement state based on road gradient and vehicle speed. During downhill descents, the system can dynamically disengage the e-axle to eliminate parasitic losses from the drivetrain, while maintaining vehicle control through the brake system. This resolves the contradiction by allowing the vehicle to optimize between control reliability and energy efficiency, using engine braking only when necessary for safety while minimizing energy loss through dynamic disengagement.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for adjusting a drivetrain comprising an e-axle on a vehicle comprises accessing route data and compressing the route data into a plurality of linearized segments. Each segment is determined by analyzing points along the route to determine when a set of route data points indicates an uphill, downhill, or flat segment. Using the segments, drivetrain configuration information for a vehicle and a weight of the vehicle, embodiments determine a performance plan that is tailored to the vehicle, including raising the e-axle to reduce rolling resistance on some segments and lowering the e-axle for some segments for increased power for acceleration, improved braking, or increased regenerative capabilities.