Electric Tractor Drivetrain Layout for Low-Emission Torque Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural vehicles with internal combustion engines emit harmful emissions and soot particles, affecting health and the environment, necessitating a transition to electric drive units for cleaner operation.
Innovation Solution
A drivetrain system for agricultural vehicles incorporating a rear axle, front axle, and first and second electric drive units, with mechanical couplings allowing torque transmission between output shafts, enabling propulsion and hydraulic operations using electric motors, and potentially replacing internal combustion engines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If internal combustion engines are used to drive agricultural vehicles, then the vehicles can perform working operations, but harmful emissions and soot particles are released affecting health and the environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the internal combustion engine (mechanical/chemical system) with an electric drive unit (electrical system). The electric drive unit receives electrical energy from an energy storage device and converts it to mechanical torque to drive the transmission and axles, eliminating combustion-based emissions and soot particle generation entirely.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If electric drive units are used to replace internal combustion engines, then emissions are minimized, but the drivetrain structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The electric drive unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides torque to the transmission for vehicle propulsion, and also drives the hydraulic pump through the same transmission system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate drive mechanisms, thereby simplifying the overall drivetrain structure despite the electrical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the mechanical drive function and hydraulic pump drive function into a single integrated transmission system. The transmission receives torque from the electric drive unit and distributes it to both the axles for propulsion and the hydraulic pump, merging multiple drive paths into one unified system.
3Device complexity
If a single electric drive unit is used to power both the transmission and hydraulic pump, then the drivetrain becomes more compact, but torque distribution control becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors the operational state of the vehicle and hydraulic system, and automatically adjusts the torque distribution from the electric drive unit to the transmission and hydraulic pump. This feedback control ensures optimal torque allocation under different working conditions without requiring manual intervention or complex mechanical control mechanisms.
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 system provides a structurally simple and compact drivetrain that minimizes emissions, supports easy conversion from internal combustion to electric power, and ensures efficient energy transmission for propulsion and hydraulic functions.
Implementation Method 1
A first electric drive unit, which is different from the transmission, has a second output shaft. The first output shaft is connected to the second output shaft. The first electric drive unit is also connected to the second output shaft. A torque can be introduced into the second output shaft by the first electric drive unit and can be transmitted from the second output shaft by the transmission
Implementation Method 2
A torque can be introduced into the second output shaft by the first electric drive unit and can be transmitted from the second output shaft by the transmission, for example via the first output shaft of the transmission, to the rear axle such that the rear axle can be driven from or by the first electric drive unit
Data Source
AI summary
A drivetrain for an agricultural vehicle includes a rear axle, and a front axle, a first electric drive unit, and a transmission. The transmission has a first output shaft connected to the rear axle. The drivetrain includes a front axle drive unit having a second output shaft. The first output shaft is connected to the second output shaft. The first electric drive unit is connected to the second output shaft. A torque can be introduced into the second output shaft by the first electric drive unit. The torque can be transmitted from the second output shaft via the transmission to the rear axle such that the rear axle can be driven by the first electric drive unit.