Battery Plate Compactor Gear Train for Exciter Speed Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plate compactors are inefficient due to the vibration isolation of gas engines, which reduces runtime in battery-powered systems where energy density is lower.
Innovation Solution
A plate compactor design that includes an electric motor coupled to a plate, an exciter with an eccentric mass, a battery for power, and a gear train to transfer torque from the motor to the exciter, allowing the exciter to operate at different rotational speeds than the motor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If vibration isolation is applied to gas engines in plate compactors, then the engine protection from excessive vibration is improved, but the runtime in battery-powered systems is reduced due to energy loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the vibration isolation function from the engine mounting system and applies it specifically to the exciter assembly. The exciter is isolated from the plate using elastomeric elements, while the engine is directly coupled to the plate through a rigid mounting. This selective extraction of vibration isolation to where it is most needed (the exciter) prevents energy loss while still protecting against excessive vibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary elastomeric element between the exciter and the plate to provide vibration isolation. This intermediary component absorbs vibrations at the exciter level without transmitting them to the engine, thereby protecting the engine while minimizing energy loss and maximizing runtime.
2Productivity
If a gear train is added to transfer torque from the motor to the exciter, then the exciter can operate at optimized rotational speeds, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical transmission system (belts, chains, or direct drive) with an electric motor and gear train combination. This substitution allows for precise control of exciter rotational speed through electrical means and gear ratio selection, optimizing productivity while managing complexity through modular design.
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 design achieves longer runtime for battery-powered plate compactors by optimizing energy transfer and reducing vibration-related inefficiencies, enhancing operational efficiency compared to gas-powered systems.
Implementation Method 1
the exciter includes an exciter shaft and an eccentric mass attached thereto
Implementation Method 2
configured to vibrate the plate in response to receiving torque from the electric motor
Data Source
AI summary
A compactor including a plate, an electric motor coupled to the plate and including a motor shaft configured to rotate about a rotational axis, and an exciter coupled to the plate and configured to vibrate the plate in response to receiving torque from the electric motor. The exciter includes an exciter shaft and an eccentric mass attached thereto. The compactor additionally includes a battery configured to provide power to the electric motor, and a gear train to transfer torque from the motor shaft to the exciter shaft. The gear train permits the exciter to be driven at a rotational speed that is faster or slower than a rotational speed of the electric motor.