Electric Pushback Tractor Torque Converter for Low-Speed Traction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pushback tractors for aircraft are typically powered by combustion engines, which require high torque but often lack visibility and safety features for operators, and can experience slipping due to insufficient weight.
Innovation Solution
An electric pushback vehicle with a frame, front and rear drive axles, a traction battery, an electric motor, and a transmission system, including a torque converter, to provide high torque at low speeds and prevent slipping, while also incorporating safety features like improved visibility and sensors for alignment assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If combustion engines are used to provide high torque, then the pushback tractor can move medium to large aircraft, but the operator lacks visibility and safety features
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the combustion engine mechanical system with an electric motor system. The electric motor provides equivalent or superior torque while eliminating the visibility and safety issues associated with combustion engines. The electric motor can be positioned away from the operator compartment, and its control system allows for safer, more precise operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates the power generation function (electric motor) from the operator compartment. The electric motor is housed in a separate location, connected through a transmission system, allowing the operator to work in a protected, visible environment while the power source remains isolated but functionally integrated.
2Force
If combustion engines are used, then high torque is achieved, but ground-engaging members experience slipping due to insufficient weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the power source from combustion-based to electric-based. This allows for precise control of torque delivery through electronic control systems, enabling high torque output only when needed while maintaining better traction control through regulated power delivery to the ground-engaging members.
3Force
If electric motors are used to provide high torque at low speeds, then torque requirements are met, but the system complexity increases with transmission and torque converter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a torque converter that serves multiple functions: it provides torque multiplication for low-speed operation, acts as a fluid coupling between the electric motor and transmission, and enables smooth power delivery across varying operating conditions. This single component addresses multiple operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission system acts as an intermediary between the electric motor and the ground-engaging members, converting the high-torque low-speed output of the motor into appropriate wheel speeds and torques. The torque converter serves as a fluid intermediary that smoothly transfers and modifies power between the motor and transmission components.
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
The electric pushback vehicle achieves high torque at low speeds, prevents slipping, and enhances operator safety with improved visibility and alignment assistance, making it more efficient and safer for aircraft pushback operations.
Implementation Method 1
The torque converter is connected to communicate mechanical power generated by the electric motor to the transmission
Implementation Method 2
A traction battery is housed within the electric pushback vehicle and provides electric power to an electric motor to drive an output shaft
Data Source
AI summary
An electric pushback vehicle includes a frame having a forward portion and a rear portion. The vehicle further includes front drive axle and a rear drive axle configured to communicate power to ground engaging members. A traction battery is housed within the electric pushback vehicle and provides electric power to an electric motor to drive an output shaft. A transmission is connected to receive mechanical power from the electric motor through a torque converter.