Electromechanical Drive Switching for Auxiliary Unit Energy Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromechanical drive arrangements for motor vehicles lack an efficient way to operate auxiliary units like air conditioning compressors and power steering pumps, leading to energy inefficiencies and increased energy consumption, especially when the vehicle is stationary or in overrun mode.
Innovation Solution
An electromechanical drive arrangement with a switching element integrated into the transmission housing allows the auxiliary units to be drivable via the reduction stage or axle differential, enabling direct mechanical drive without energy conversion, and an electronic control device optimizes energy usage based on vehicle state and energy requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the auxiliary unit is driven by the main drive motor via the reduction stage when the vehicle is stationary, then the auxiliary unit can be operated without external power, but energy conversion losses occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic switching mechanism that changes the drive source of the auxiliary unit based on vehicle operating conditions. The switching element can connect the auxiliary unit to either the main drive motor via reduction stage or directly to the axle differential, optimizing energy efficiency by selecting the appropriate power source for each operational state (stationary vs. moving vehicle).
Solution Approach 2:
The switching element acts as an intermediary component that enables flexible power routing. It mediates between the main drive motor, reduction stage, axle differential, and auxiliary unit, allowing the system to select the most efficient power transmission path based on real-time operational requirements.
2Loss of energy
If the drive connection between reduction stage and axle differential is removed for direct auxiliary unit drive, then energy conversion efficiency improves, but the auxiliary unit cannot be driven when the vehicle is in overrun mode
Solution Approach 1:
The switching element provides dynamic reconfiguration of the power transmission paths, enabling the system to adapt to different operational modes. When the vehicle is in overrun mode, the switching element can restore the drive connection between the reduction stage and axle differential while maintaining the capability to drive the auxiliary unit, thus preserving versatility across all driving conditions.
3Volume of moving object
If the auxiliary unit is arranged outside the transmission housing, then space utilization improves, but the drive connection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switching element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it enables auxiliary unit drive from the main drive motor, restores axle differential drive in overrun mode, and manages power routing flexibility. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby managing complexity despite the auxiliary unit's external arrangement.
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 solution reduces energy consumption by auxiliary units, increases vehicle range, and provides efficient operation of comfort functions like stationary air conditioning, while minimizing friction losses and conversion losses.
Implementation Method 1
an electromechanical main drive motor, comprising a rotor and a stator
Implementation Method 2
a reduction stage, comprising a transmission input, a transmission output, at least one reduction stage, and a transmission housing, accommodating the reduction stage
Data Source
AI summary
An electromechanical drive arrangement for a motor vehicle includes an electromechanical main drive motor, a reduction transmission device which comprises a transmission input, a transmission output, at least one reduction stage and a transmission housing which accommodates the reduction stage, an axial differential transmission for splitting the drive power, which is guided by means of the reduction stage, between a first and a second wheel drive train section, and an auxiliary assembly which can be driven by the main drive motor by means of the reduction stage. The auxiliary assembly is arranged outside the transmission housing. A switching element is provided in the transmission housing such that the drive connection from the reduction stage to the axial differential transmission can be closed in a switchable manner and can be disconnected in a switchable manner.