Hydrostatic Retarder Pump and Motor for Energy Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional braking systems absorb kinetic energy, leading to brake component degradation and energy loss, without preserving this energy for future use.
Innovation Solution
A hydrostatic retarder pump and motor apparatus is positioned between the transmission and differential, featuring a housing with eccentric shafts, pistons, and valves that selectively connect low and high pressure accumulators to transfer hydraulic fluid, acting as either an output retarder to slow the vehicle or a motor to enhance fuel economy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional braking systems are used to stop the vehicle, then the vehicle can be brought to a stop, but the kinetic energy is absorbed and lost, causing brake component degradation and heat generation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful kinetic energy that would normally be dissipated as heat in conventional brakes into a beneficial resource by capturing it through the hydrostatic retarder and storing it as pressurized hydraulic fluid in the high pressure accumulator, thereby eliminating brake wear while recovering energy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a hydrostatic retarder pump and motor system that uses hydraulic fluid to capture, store, and release kinetic energy. The pump pressurizes hydraulic fluid during deceleration, and the motor releases it during acceleration, replacing conventional friction-based braking with a hydraulic energy recovery system
2Loss of energy
If the hydrostatic retarder operates continuously to maximize energy recovery, then more kinetic energy is preserved, but fuel economy deteriorates due to constant resistance on the shaft
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the hydrostatic retarder system dynamic by enabling selective engagement and disengagement through a control system. The retarder operates only when energy recovery is beneficial (during deceleration), and disengages during normal driving to minimize resistance, optimizing both energy recovery and fuel economy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic operation of the hydrostatic retarder, activating it during deceleration phases to capture kinetic energy and deactivating it during acceleration or cruising phases, creating a cyclical pattern of engagement that maximizes energy recovery while minimizing negative impact on fuel economy
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 apparatus reduces brake wear and heat generation by preserving kinetic energy as pressurized hydraulic fluid, while improving fuel efficiency by selectively activating or deactivating to optimize vehicle performance.
Implementation Method 1
the rotation of the shaft may be implemented to drive the plurality of pistons and thereby transfer hydraulic fluid from the low pressure accumulator to the high pressure accumulator such that resistance is applied to the shaft and vehicle output is retarded
Implementation Method 2
hydraulic fluid from the high pressure accumulator may be implemented to drive the plurality of pistons and thereby power the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
The apparatus of the present invention includes a hydrostatic retarder pump and motor. The apparatus includes a housing rotatably supporting a shaft. The shaft includes a first eccentric portion and a second eccentric portion. A plurality of pistons are disposed within the housing and are engageable with the first eccentric portion. A plurality of valves are also disposed within the housing and are engageable with the second eccentric portion. The plurality of valves are configured to selectively connect the plurality of pistons with a low pressure accumulator or a high pressure accumulator. The rotation of the shaft may be implemented to drive the plurality of pistons and thereby transfer hydraulic fluid from the low pressure accumulator to the high pressure accumulator such that resistance is applied to the shaft and vehicle output is retarded. Alternatively, hydraulic fluid from the high pressure accumulator may be implemented to drive the plurality of pistons and thereby power the vehicle.