Electromechanical Converter Accessory Drive System
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle drive systems with mechanical accessory units are inefficient and wasteful, as they are switched off when the engine is off, leading to energy loss and inefficient operation, especially during long stops or hybrid vehicle conditions, and temperature control systems are complex and unsuitable for large-scale production.
Innovation Solution
An accessory drive system using an electromechanical converter with a primary shaft coupled to the engine output and a secondary shaft coupled to the mechanical accessory unit, allowing independent control of shaft speed and energy supply from both the engine and electrical sources, enabling efficient operation and continuous function of mechanical accessory units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical accessory units are directly coupled to the engine output shaft, then the accessory units can be driven mechanically, but the accessory units are switched off when the engine is off and operate inefficiently when engine speed does not match accessory requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines mechanical coupling and electrical coupling between the engine and accessory units. The accessory units are mechanically coupled to the engine output shaft and electrically coupled to the engine via a generator, allowing them to receive power from either source independently, ensuring continuous operation while maintaining energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The accessory units are designed to accept power from multiple sources (mechanical engine power and electrical generator power) through a common drive mechanism. This multi-functionality allows the same accessory units to operate efficiently whether the engine is running at optimal speed or is switched off, as power can be supplied from the generator instead.
2Reliability
If the speed of mechanical accessory input shaft is guaranteed to be sufficiently high, then proper functioning of the accessory is ensured, but the input shaft speed substantially exceeds the nominal speed required and the accessory is used inefficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the power source based on operating conditions. When the engine speed is appropriate, mechanical power is transmitted directly. When engine speed is too low or the engine is off, the generator provides electrical power. This dynamic adaptation ensures the accessory receives appropriate power without excessive speed, eliminating energy waste while maintaining proper functioning.
3Reliability
If electrical energy is used to drive mechanical accessory units when the engine is off, then the accessory units can continue to function, but significant power loss occurs in the conversion of electrical energy towards mechanical energy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges mechanical and electrical drive systems into a unified accessory drive system. The generator is mechanically coupled to the engine output shaft and electrically coupled to the accessory units, creating an integrated system that can efficiently convert mechanical energy to electrical energy and back to mechanical energy with minimal losses, rather than using separate independent systems.
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
This configuration ensures optimal and efficient operation of mechanical accessory units independently of vehicle drive speed, reducing energy waste and enabling continuous function even when the engine is off, while also optimizing energy use through electrical buffering.
Implementation Method 1
the rotor and the stator are designed with one or more windings, the interrotor forming one whole both mechanically and electromagnetically, being arranged as a conductor for the magnetic flux
Implementation Method 2
the rotor and the stator are designed with one or more windings, the interrotor forming one whole both mechanically and electromagnetically
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to an accessory drive system, comprising an electromechanical converter, in particular an electric variable transmission. The converter is provided with a primary shaft having a rotor mounted thereon, a secondary shaft having an interrotor mounted thereon and a stator, fixedly mounted to a housing of the electromechanical converter. Viewed from the primary shaft in radial direction, the rotor, the interrotor and the stator are arranged concentrically relative to each other. Further, one of the primary or the secondary shaft is arranged for coupling with an output shaft of an engine and the other of the primary or the secondary shaft is free of any vehicle drive line and is arranged for coupling to an input shaft of a mechanical accessory unit.