Electric Motor Hydraulic Pump Decoupling for Battery Power Savings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicles that utilize hydraulic pumps and motors to assist propulsion face challenges in conserving battery power, as the hydraulic pump continues to consume energy even when not in use, leading to inefficient energy usage.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a system that allows the hydraulic pump to be decoupled from the electric motor, enabling the vehicle to operate in two modes: one where the hydraulic pump is engaged for propulsion and another where it is disengaged to conserve energy, using a one-way clutch and reversible transmission to manage torque distribution between the electric motor and hydraulic pump.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the hydraulic pump is continuously coupled to the electric motor, then the vehicle can maintain propulsion capability, but energy is wasted when hydraulic power is not needed
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between coupled and decoupled states between the electric motor and hydraulic pump based on operational requirements. The one-way clutch enables the connection state to change dynamically, allowing the hydraulic pump to be engaged when hydraulic propulsion is needed and disengaged when not needed, thus adapting to varying operational conditions while managing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic pump is extracted from the continuous load of the electric motor through the one-way clutch mechanism. When hydraulic power is not required, the pump is effectively removed from the power transmission path, allowing the motor to operate without driving the pump, thereby eliminating unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining the capability to re-engage when needed.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the hydraulic pump is decoupled from the electric motor, then energy efficiency is improved, but the vehicle loses hydraulic propulsion capability
Solution Approach 1:
The one-way clutch acts as an intermediary mechanism between the electric motor and hydraulic pump. It allows torque transmission in one direction (when coupling is needed) while permitting free rotation in the other direction (when decoupling is needed). This intermediary device enables the system to switch between energy-efficient operation and hydraulic propulsion capability without permanent loss of either function.
3Loss of energy
If the one-way clutch is added to enable decoupling, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The one-way clutch is a passive, self-actuating device that automatically engages and disengages based on the direction of torque flow without requiring external control mechanisms. It serves itself by using the natural rotational dynamics of the system to determine when coupling and decoupling should occur, eliminating the need for additional actuators, sensors, or control systems that would further increase complexity.
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 enhances energy efficiency by preventing wasteful energy consumption when hydraulic power is not needed, allowing the vehicle to maintain battery power and improve traction control by adjusting torque distribution between rear and front traction members.
Implementation Method 1
a one-way clutch operably coupling the electric motor to the hydraulic pump
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle may operate in a first mode in which an electric motor operates in a forward state such that the rear ground traction members of the vehicle are driven forwardly by the electric motor while a hydraulic pump is powered by the electric motor and may alternatively operate in a second mode in which the electric motor operates in a reversed state such that the rear ground traction members are driven forwardly by the electric motor while the electric motor is operably decoupled from the hydraulic pump by a one-way clutch/bearing ring coupled between the electric motor and the hydraulic pump.