Modular EV Torque Distribution Using Mixed Gear Ratios
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicles are often manufactured for specific purposes, leading to a need for multiple vehicles and increased costs, and internal combustion engines require complex gearboxes that are heavy and require maintenance, while electrical motors offer an attractive alternative but require further energy efficiency improvements.
Innovation Solution
A modular electric vehicle with at least two drive modules, each with a unique gear ratio, uses a control method to distribute driving torque based on route information and energy parameters to optimize energy efficiency, eliminating the need for a mechanical gearbox and enhancing reliability and silence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If internal combustion engines with gearboxes are used, then vehicles can achieve reliable startability and acceleration, but the vehicle weight increases and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle is divided into multiple independent drive modules, each with its own electrical motor and gear ratio configuration. This segmentation allows the vehicle to achieve reliable startability through coordinated control of multiple motors without requiring a single heavy mechanical gearbox system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical gearbox system with multiple electrical motors having different gear ratios. The control system electronically manages torque distribution among motors, substituting mechanical gear shifting with electronic control to reduce weight and maintenance while maintaining startability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple vehicles are manufactured for different purposes, then specific functional requirements are met, but the fleet cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle platform is designed with universal functional modules that can be configured for different purposes. By using interchangeable functional modules on a common platform with multiple drive modules, a single vehicle can serve multiple functions, reducing the need for a large fleet of specialized vehicles.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle configuration is made dynamic and reconfigurable through modular design. Functional modules can be added, removed, or swapped to adapt the vehicle to different tasks, allowing the same base vehicle to fulfill various functional requirements throughout its service life.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If electrical motors are used instead of internal combustion engines, then environmental impact is reduced and gearbox complexity is eliminated, but energy efficiency can be improved further
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes energy efficiency by varying operational parameters such as torque distribution, speed ratios, and motor selection based on driving conditions. The control system continuously adjusts these parameters to maximize energy efficiency while maintaining the environmental benefits of electrical propulsion.
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 approach enables energy-efficient operation of modular electric vehicles by dynamically distributing torque between drive modules, reducing power consumption and wear, while maintaining reliable startability and silent operation without the disadvantages of mechanical gearboxes.
Implementation Method 1
at least one electrical motor arranged for operating the pair of wheels
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a vehicle comprising at least one functional module, two or more drive modules, which are: autonomously operated, individually associated with a set of energy parameters, a pair of wheels, an electrical motor operating the wheels, and an interface releasably connected to an interface on the functional module, and wherein one drive module has a gear ratio different from any gear ratio of any other drive module. The method comprises: obtaining route information describing a planned route of the vehicle; determining a distribution of a requested driving torque between the respective at least one electrical motors of the two or more drive modules for operating the vehicle along the route based on the route information and the individual sets of energy parameters in order to meet energy criteria; and controlling the two or more drive modules to produce the requested driving torque, in accordance with the determined distribution.