Electro-Hydraulic Transmission Start-Up for Low-Speed Motor Overheating

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrohydraulic transmission architectures for vehicles face challenges in optimization and implementation due to the integration of hydraulic and electrical elements, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage from overheating of electric motors at low rotation speeds.

Innovation Solution

A method for commissioning a secondary drive system with a variable displacement hydraulic pump and an electric motor, controlled by a controller to maintain a minimum rotation speed to prevent overheating and optimize efficiency, using a closed-loop hydraulic circuit with an engagement valve and booster pump.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If the electric motor operates at low rotation speeds to provide high torque, then the torque delivery is optimized, but the electric motor overheats and efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque deliveryVSAvoidmotor temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by establishing a minimum rotation speed threshold before the electric motor is engaged. The controller monitors the rotation speed of the electric motor and prevents engagement below this threshold, thereby avoiding the harmful condition of low-speed high-torque operation that causes overheating. This proactive control ensures the motor operates in an efficient temperature range while still meeting torque requirements through alternative means.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Use of energy by moving object

If the electric motor rotation speed is increased to prevent overheating, then the motor efficiency improves, but the torque delivery capability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotor efficiencyVSAvoidtorque delivery
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs multi-functionality by integrating both an electric motor and a hydraulic pump within the same drive system. The hydraulic pump serves as a complementary power source that can deliver high torque when the electric motor operates at higher speeds for efficiency. The controller coordinates both power sources, allowing the system to achieve both motor efficiency and adequate torque delivery by distributing the load between the two components based on their optimal operating ranges.

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

3Productivity

If the hydraulic motor is continuously engaged to provide assistance, then the vehicle performance is improved, but the energy consumption and heat generation increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle performanceVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by implementing a control strategy that selectively engages and disengages the hydraulic motor based on real-time operating conditions. The controller monitors parameters such as vehicle speed, load requirements, and temperature, and only activates the hydraulic assistance when genuinely needed. This intermittent operation pattern maintains vehicle performance during critical moments while minimizing overall energy consumption and heat generation compared to continuous engagement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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

Ensures safe operation and maximizes efficiency of the electric motor and hydraulic pump by maintaining a minimum rotation speed, preventing overheating and optimizing torque delivery, while allowing for selective engagement and disengagement of hydraulic motors.

Implementation Method 1

an electric motor, adapted to drive the hydraulic pump

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a variable displacement hydraulic pump having a discharge and an inlet, a hydraulic motor having a discharge and an inlet, adapted to rotate said displacement member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure transmission: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 3

the hydraulic circuit comprising an engagement valve adapted to selectively connect or isolate the hydraulic motor with respect to the hydraulic pump

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic valve control: Valve

Data Source

PatentEP4453450B1Improved start-up method for an electro-hydraulic transmission
Publication Date: 2025.09.03 POCLAIN HYDRAULICS IND
  • EP4453450B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4453450B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4453450B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for starting up a drive system for a vehicle propulsion member, said drive system comprising a hydraulic pump (30), a hydraulic motor (40) powered by the hydraulic pump (30) via a closed-loop hydraulic circuit, and an electric motor (10), said start-up method comprising the following steps, considering a stopped configuration of the drive system, in which the electric motor, the hydraulic pump and the booster pump (35) are stopped and the hydraulic motor is disengaged: starting up the booster pump; powering up the electric motor; turning on the hydraulic pump; adjusting the displacement of the hydraulic pump and/or the speed of the electric motor to provide a flow rate corresponding to a setpoint of the hydraulic motor; and starting up the hydraulic motor.