Hydraulic Motorized Module Control for Variable Torque and Speed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motorized transport vehicles face inefficiencies in speed and cost due to mechanical reducers that reduce wheel rotation speed, leading to increased transfer times and costs, especially when transporting heavy loads at varying speeds and conditions.
Innovation Solution
A motorized module with a closed hydraulic circuit, variable displacement hydraulic motors, and mechanical reducers with different reduction ratios, controlled by an electronic unit to adjust hydraulic motor displacement and angular connections based on speed, allowing flexible traction and speed adaptation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If mechanical reducers with fixed reduction ratio are used to increase torque, then torque transmission to wheels is improved, but wheel rotation speed and module advancement speed are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the reduction ratio variable rather than fixed. The mechanical reducer incorporates a movable element that can change its position to adjust the reduction ratio dynamically, allowing the system to optimize between torque and speed based on operating conditions. This resolves the contradiction by enabling the reducer to provide high torque when needed while maintaining higher speeds when the load is lighter.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of reduction ratio from a fixed value to a variable parameter. By incorporating a movable element that can shift positions, the system can alter the reduction ratio to match different operational requirements, thereby resolving the trade-off between torque multiplication and speed maintenance.
2Speed
If reducers with discretely variable reduction ratio are used to increase advancement speed, then wheel rotation speed is improved, but reducer cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamically adjustable reduction ratio mechanism that can continuously or steplessly vary the ratio, replacing complex discrete-stage reducers. This dynamic adjustment capability achieves variable speed performance while maintaining a simpler, more cost-effective single-stage reducer structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the reduction ratio parameter continuously or in smooth steps rather than through discrete stages, eliminating the need for multiple complex gear sets and achieving cost reduction while maintaining speed variability.
3Speed
If automotive field variable reduction ratio reducers are used to solve low towing speed problem, then towing speed is improved, but axial overall dimension becomes too large for compact axles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested structure where the movable element is positioned within the existing reducer housing, allowing the variable ratio mechanism to be integrated into the compact axial space without requiring additional external components that would increase the overall dimension.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a dynamic adjustment mechanism that achieves variable reduction ratio within a compact form factor, unlike automotive reducers that require large axial spaces. The movable element shifts position within the existing structure to change the effective lever arm, providing speed variability without increasing axial dimension.
4Speed
If number of motorized axles is increased to reduce reduction ratio and increase transfer speed, then transfer speed at no load is improved, but unit cost and length increase exponentially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the reduction ratio parameter to a variable value, allowing a single axle to achieve the performance that would otherwise require multiple axles. By adjusting the reduction ratio dynamically, the system can operate at higher speeds when loaded lightly without needing additional axles, thereby avoiding the exponential cost increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes a single axle multi-functional by enabling it to operate effectively across a wide range of speeds and loads through variable reduction ratio. This eliminates the need for multiple specialized axles, reducing both cost and complexity while maintaining high transfer speed capability.
5Speed
If mechanical reducers are disconnected from hydraulic motors to achieve high speed, then advancement speed is improved, but module loses autonomous traction capability and requires larger tractor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic system where the reduction ratio can be continuously adjusted, allowing the module to maintain autonomous traction capability across the entire speed range. The movable element enables the reducer to adapt to different speed requirements without disconnection, preserving self-propulsion while achieving high speeds when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the reduction ratio parameter dynamically to match operating conditions, enabling the module to operate autonomously at both low and high speeds. This eliminates the need to disconnect the reducer and maintain traction capability while achieving high advancement speeds.
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
Enables efficient transport of heavy loads at high and low speeds with reduced slippage and cost, supporting both autonomous and tractor-assisted operations, expanding the vehicle's operational range and reducing the need for large tractors.
Implementation Method 1
a closed hydraulic circuit, at least one motorized pump arranged along the closed circuit to send a pressurized the operating fluid to a delivery branch
Implementation Method 2
at least a first and at least a second variable displacement hydraulic motor both hydraulically connected to the delivery branch and to the return branch to operate the rolling body of the first axle and the rolling body of said second axle
Data Source
AI summary
A motorized module for goods transport has a loading platform; at least a first and at least a second axle each provided with at least one respective rolling body on the ground, a respective mechanical speed reducer, a respective releasable angular connection joint interposed between a respective hydraulic motor for driving the axle and the respective rolling body, and an electronic unit for controlling the hydraulic motors and the angular connection joints as a function of the advancement speed of the module and being activated in succession as the advancement speed of the module itself varies.