Hybrid Work Machine Drivetrain With Clutch-Based Assist Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing work machines face complexity and weight issues due to the need for multiple power sources and complex power transmission systems for switching between normal and assisted traveling modes.
Innovation Solution
A work machine design featuring an internal combustion engine, an electric motor, and a clutch system that allows for simple switching between normal and assisted traveling by controlling power transmission to the front and rear wheels based on load conditions, enabling efficient propulsion adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If power from multiple power sources is transmitted to all 4 wheels, then assisted traveling capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power transmission system by wheel position. The internal combustion engine connects to both front and rear wheels through clutches, while the electric motor connects only to the rear wheel. This segmentation allows selective engagement of power sources to specific wheels based on operating conditions, enabling assisted traveling without requiring all 4 wheels to have independent power source connections, thus reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The internal combustion engine serves multiple functions: it can drive the front wheels independently, drive the rear wheels independently, or drive both simultaneously. The clutches enable this multi-functionality by allowing the engine to connect to different wheel pairs as needed. This universal power source design reduces the need for separate dedicated motors for each wheel pair, simplifying the overall vehicle body structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If power from multiple power sources is transmitted to all 4 wheels, then assisted traveling capability is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power transmission paths by having both the internal combustion engine and electric motor connect to the rear wheels through a common transmission system. The engine can directly drive the rear wheels or assist the motor-driven rear wheels. This merging eliminates the need for completely separate transmission systems for front and rear wheel drive, reducing overall system weight while maintaining the capability for assisted traveling when needed.
3Ease of operation
If a clutch system is used to switch power transmission, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the clutch mechanism from a complex multi-clutch system and retains only the essential clutch components needed for mode switching. Specifically, one clutch connects the internal combustion engine to the front wheels, and another clutch connects the engine to the rear wheels. This minimal clutch configuration enables switching between normal traveling (electric motor only), assisted traveling (engine + electric motor), and engine-only modes, providing ease of operation while keeping the clutch system complexity manageable.
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 allows for seamless switching between normal and assisted traveling modes, reducing complexity and weight while providing enhanced propulsion during assisted traveling.
Implementation Method 1
an internal combustion engine configured to generate power for driving the work unit
Implementation Method 2
an electric motor configured to generate power for driving a first wheel of the front wheel and the rear wheel
Implementation Method 3
a first clutch for switching between transmission and discontinuation of the power from the internal combustion engine to a second wheel of the front wheel and the rear wheel
Data Source
AI summary
A work machine comprising a work unit that performs work on a travel path, an internal combustion engine configured to generate power for driving the work unit, a traveling unit including a front wheel and a rear wheel, an electric motor configured to generate power for driving a first wheel of the front wheel and the rear wheel, a first clutch for switching between transmission and discontinuation of the power from the internal combustion engine to a second wheel of the front wheel and the rear wheel, and a switching control unit configured to control the first clutch based on a power consumption of the electric motor for switching between the transmission and the discontinuation.