Regenerative Braking Torque Distribution via Selective Wheel Coupling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric vehicles, particularly rear wheel drive and four wheel drive models, are limited in recovering regenerative power during deceleration, as they can only recover up to 30% of total available regenerative power due to stability concerns when applying braking torque solely to the rear wheels.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that includes a controllable coupling apparatus in the driveline, allowing the electric machine to be selectively coupled to both sets of vehicle wheels during deceleration, enabling the recovery of regenerative power from both sets of wheels while maintaining vehicle stability by adjusting the torque distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If braking torque is applied solely to the rear wheels during deceleration, then regenerative power recovery is maximized for rear wheel drive vehicles, but vehicle stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the braking torque application by wheel set, allowing independent control of front and rear wheel braking. The system applies braking torque to rear wheels for regenerative power recovery while simultaneously applying braking torque to front wheels for stability, dividing the braking function across different wheel sets rather than concentrating it solely on the rear wheels.
2Loss of energy
If the electric machine is coupled to all four wheels during deceleration, then regenerative power recovery is increased, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the driveline universally coupled, allowing the electric machine to be coupled to both front and rear wheels through the four-wheel drive driveline system. This multi-functional driveline configuration enables the same driveline structure to serve both propulsion and regenerative braking functions across all four wheels, rather than requiring separate braking mechanisms.
3Stability of the object's composition
If friction brakes are used to provide additional braking torque to the front wheels, then vehicle stability is maintained, but energy efficiency deteriorates due to loss of regenerative power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the regenerative braking function with the friction braking function by simultaneously applying both to the same wheel set. The electric machine provides regenerative braking torque to the rear wheels while friction brakes provide additional braking torque to the same rear wheels, combining both braking mechanisms to maximize energy recovery while maintaining stability.
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 allows for the recovery of up to 60% or 100% of total available regenerative power, depending on the configuration, by distributing braking torque more evenly across all wheels, reducing reliance on friction brakes and enhancing energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the electric machine may generate electric charge (i.e., regenerative power) during vehicle deceleration
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method and vehicle using the same for increasing regenerative power recovered during vehicle deceleration. The system includes first and second sets of vehicle wheels, a controller, an electric machine, a regenerative power source, and a driveline. The electric machine performs as a motor/generator in a first/second mode of operation, respectively. The regenerative power source is electrically coupled to the electric machine and is configured to supply/receive power to/from the electric machine when the electric machine is in the first/second mode of operation, respectively. The driveline is coupled to the electric machine and the first set of vehicle wheels for transferring torque. The driveline includes a controllable coupling apparatus in electronic communication with the controller for selectively coupling, during vehicle deceleration, the electric machine to the second set of vehicle wheels.