Electromechanical Power Transfer System with Segmented Dynamoelectric Machines

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dynamoelectric machine-based vehicle power systems face challenges with size, weight, and fault tolerance, as they require sufficient torque and power for worst-case conditions, and a single fault can lead to total vehicle failure.

Innovation Solution

An electromechanical power transfer system with multiple dynamoelectric machines, an electrical power source, a system controller, electrically engageable clutches, and transmission gear sets, allowing selective engagement of machines and gear sets to optimize power distribution and torque delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a single dynamoelectric machine is used to provide sufficient torque and power for worst-case conditions, then the vehicle can operate under all conditions, but the size and weight of the machine exceed design requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle operation under all conditionsVSAvoiddynamoelectric machine weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The single dynamoelectric machine is divided into multiple smaller dynamoelectric machines (at least two). Each machine can independently provide power to the wheels through its own clutch and transmission gear set. This segmentation allows the vehicle to meet worst-case power requirements by combining multiple smaller machines rather than using one oversized machine, thus reducing individual machine weight and size while maintaining total system capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If a single dynamoelectric machine is used to control vehicle motion, then the system is simple, but a fault in the machine results in total failure of the vehicle

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower system structureVSAvoidfault tolerance

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The power system is segmented into multiple independent power paths, each consisting of a dynamoelectric machine, clutch, and transmission gear set. This segmentation creates redundancy such that if one machine or its associated components fail, the other machines can continue to operate and control the vehicle, preventing total system failure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system configuration changes from a single power path to multiple parallel power paths. This parameter change in system architecture enables fault tolerance by providing alternative power delivery routes when components fail, while the selective engagement mechanism maintains operational simplicity through controller-managed clutch and gear set engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If multiple dynamoelectric machines are used to reduce size and improve fault tolerance, then the system becomes more complex with multiple clutches and gear sets

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefault toleranceVSAvoidnumber of clutches and gear sets

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each dynamoelectric machine is equipped with its own clutch and transmission gear set, creating universal, interchangeable power paths. This multi-functionality allows any machine to potentially drive any wheel through its dedicated components, and the system controller can selectively engage any combination of machines and gear sets based on operational requirements, thereby managing complexity through standardized modular architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces complex mechanical coupling mechanisms with electrically controlled clutches and an electronic control system. Instead of permanently mechanically linking all machines to all wheels, electrically engageable clutches provide selective mechanical connection only when needed, reducing permanent mechanical complexity while enabling flexible power distribution through electronic control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 achieves superior performance and fault tolerance by distributing power efficiently among multiple machines and gear sets, reducing the risk of total failure and optimizing vehicle motion control.

Implementation Method 1

A vehicle may use one or more dynamoelectric machines as a source of motive power. Such dynamoelectric machines may serve as a prime mover powered by an off-board electric power source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

an electrically engageable clutch for each machine

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic actuation: Electromagnet

Implementation Method 3

at least two electrically engageable transmission gear sets for coupling the input shaft to the output shaft

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical advantage through gear transmission: Gear

Data Source

PatentUS7677135B2Electromechanical power transfer system with multiple dynamoelectric machines

Publication Date: 2010.03.16 HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORP

AI summary

An electromechanical power transfer system for a vehicle, comprises: an electrical power source; a system controller; at least two dynamoelectric machines; an electrically engageable clutch for each machine; an input shaft coupled to the jack shaft; an output shaft coupled to a load presented by the vehicle; and at least two electrically engageable transmission gear sets for coupling the input shaft to the output shaft; wherein the system controller selectively engages each machine clutch and each transmission gear set.