Modular Electrohydraulic Drive Module for Emissions Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electro-hydraulic systems, such as container presses, face challenges with energy efficiency and mobility due to reliance on internal combustion engines for power, leading to high emissions and limited operation outside of stationary connections with three-phase current, making them inflexible and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A compact drive module incorporating an electric motor, a fluid pump, and an accumulator arrangement, capable of using both DC and AC power sources, including solar energy, with a programmable control device for flexible operation and IoT integration, allowing for operation with household electricity and reducing emissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an internal combustion engine is used to power the hydraulic pump, then the system can operate independently of external power connections, but emissions increase disproportionately and the engine operates outside its optimal range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the internal combustion engine with an electric motor that draws power from the vehicle's electrical system (battery or generator). This substitution eliminates the harmful emissions associated with combustion engines while maintaining the ability to operate independently of external power connections, as the vehicle's existing electrical system provides the necessary power.
2Reliability
If a three-phase power connection is used for the pump motor, then the system achieves stable operation, but the system becomes location-bound and cannot operate during power outages or at relocated work sites
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary power storage system (battery or generator) that decouples the hydraulic pump from direct dependence on external three-phase power connections. The battery or generator acts as an intermediary that stores or generates electrical energy, allowing the pump to operate reliably without requiring continuous external power supply, thus enabling mobility and operation at relocated work sites.
3Ease of operation
If the internal combustion engine runs at idle speed to operate the press, then control of the pump is simple, but fuel consumption increases and emissions rise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the internal combustion engine with an electric motor controlled by a controller that receives signals from sensors. This substitution maintains simple control of the pump while eliminating the need for the engine to run at idle speed, as the electric motor can be precisely controlled to match the actual power requirements of the hydraulic pump, thereby reducing energy consumption.
4Ease of manufacture
If the system is designed as a modular drive module, then installation is simplified and components are standardized, but the integration of multiple functions (power supply, motor, pump, control) increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power supply system, electric motor, hydraulic pump, and control unit into a single integrated modular drive module. This combining of functions simplifies installation by reducing the number of separate components that need to be installed and connected, while the modular design allows for standardized manufacturing and easier maintenance, despite the internal integration complexity being managed through modular architecture.
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 and flexible operation of electro-hydraulic devices using a compact, modular design that reduces emissions, noise, and energy costs, allowing for operation with household electricity and potential energy self-sufficiency, while simplifying installation and reducing vibration and wear.
Implementation Method 1
a power supply for the electric motor, in particular including at least one accumulator arrangement capable of supplying the electric motor with energy, at least intermittently
Implementation Method 2
an electric motor (1), a fluid pump (4) driven by the electric motor (1)
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present invention relates to a drive module (10), preferably for an electro-hydraulic press, for example a container press. The module comprises at least one electric motor (1), a fluid pump (4) driven by the electric motor (1), and a battery assembly (20) capable of supplying energy to the electric motor (1). At least the electric motor (1), the fluid pump (4), and the battery assembly (20) are mounted on a support and are interchangeable as a unit.