Vehicle Motor Braking Power Balancing Without Resistor Grids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle systems face challenges in managing excessive electrical energy generated during motor braking, which can overload electrical links and cause damage, requiring additional components like resistor grids that increase cost, weight, and reduce space, while also dissipating energy as heat.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle motor braking system that includes traction motors and electrical devices configured to consume generated electric power by performing work, such as compressing air or propelling the vehicle, without the need for dynamic braking grids, thereby controlling and balancing power generation and consumption to avoid overheating and maintain a stable voltage level.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If resistor elements are installed to dissipate excess electrical energy, then electrical energy can be safely dissipated, but vehicle cost, weight, and occupied space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful excess electrical energy that needs to be dissipated into a beneficial resource by using it to power auxiliary electrical devices. Instead of treating the excess energy as waste that must be burned off through resistors, the system repurposes it to perform useful work such as operating HVAC systems, lighting, or other vehicle auxiliaries, thereby eliminating the need for heavy resistor grids while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the vehicle's electrical system to serve itself by using the excess energy generated during motor braking to power its own auxiliary devices. This self-service approach allows the vehicle to manage its own energy balance without requiring external dissipation components, reducing both weight and complexity.
2Reliability
If resistor elements are installed to dissipate excess electrical energy, then electrical energy can be safely dissipated, but vehicle cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the problematic excess electrical energy into a useful resource by directing it to power auxiliary devices. This approach eliminates the need for complex resistor grid systems and their associated control mechanisms, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining safety through constructive energy utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the traction motor serve multiple functions: it acts as a propulsion motor during normal operation and as a generator during braking to produce electrical energy. This multi-functionality allows the same component to address both propulsion and energy management needs, simplifying the overall vehicle architecture by eliminating dedicated dissipation components.
3Reliability
If resistor elements are installed to dissipate excess electrical energy, then electrical energy can be safely dissipated, but available space for other components, people, and cargo is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By converting excess electrical energy into a useful resource that powers auxiliary devices, the patent eliminates the need for physical resistor grid installations. This frees up valuable vehicle space that would otherwise be occupied by heavy resistor elements, cooling systems, and associated mounting structures, allowing more room for passengers, cargo, or other components.
4Power
If excess electrical energy is supplied to the conductive link, then motor braking can be effective, but electrical devices can be damaged or fire can occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potentially harmful excess electrical energy into a beneficial resource by using it to power auxiliary electrical devices. This approach maintains the high power levels needed for effective motor braking while preventing damage to electrical devices, as the energy is productively consumed rather than allowing it to accumulate to dangerous levels that could cause overheating or fire.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by monitoring the electrical energy generation during motor braking and dynamically adjusting the power distribution to auxiliary devices. This feedback mechanism ensures that energy is consumed at appropriate rates, preventing overload conditions while maximizing the utilization of available braking energy, thus maintaining both effectiveness and safety.
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 solution allows for efficient use of generated electric power during motor braking, reducing the need for resistor grids, minimizing heat dissipation, and optimizing space, weight, and cost by ensuring that nearly all generated power is consumed or used for propulsion, thereby enhancing safety and performance.
Implementation Method 1
traction motors...configured to...generate electric power during rollback of the vehicle down a grade
Implementation Method 2
The electrical device is configured to consume the electric power generated from the rollback of the vehicle by performing work with the electric power
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A vehicle braking system includes one or more traction motors and an electrical device configured to be electrically coupled with the one or more traction motors. The one or more traction motors are configured to propel a vehicle and to generate electric power during rollback of the vehicle down a grade. The electrical device is configured to consume the electric power generated from the rollback of the vehicle by performing work with the electric power during the rollback of the vehicle.