Retrofitting Vehicle Drive Train for Engine Shutdown

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle systems face inefficiencies and increased fuel consumption due to the need for idling engines and auxiliary power units to maintain cabin comfort during rest stops, which also fail to address transit idling and do not integrate well with original equipment components.

Innovation Solution

The retrofitting of vehicles with electric drivers for auxiliary devices, a motor generator or electric generator, and a lithium-ion battery system that allows for the shutdown of the internal combustion engine while maintaining cabin comfort and power to essential systems, utilizing regenerative braking and efficient control algorithms to manage energy usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the internal combustion engine is shut down during rest stops to reduce fuel consumption, then fuel efficiency improves, but cabin comfort and power to essential systems cannot be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel consumptionVSAvoidcabin comfort and essential systems power

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical coupling between the internal combustion engine and auxiliary devices with an electrical system. Electric drivers powered by a battery pack substitute for the engine's mechanical drive, allowing the engine to be shut down while maintaining auxiliary device operation through electrical power.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the auxiliary devices from the engine-driven system and creates an independent electrical power system. The battery pack and electric drivers are separated from the engine, enabling the engine to be decoupled and shut down while auxiliary functions continue independently on electrical power.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If auxiliary power units are installed to maintain cabin comfort during rest stops, then cabin comfort is maintained, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecabin comfort during rest stopsVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the existing auxiliary devices multi-functional by enabling them to operate on both mechanical engine power and electrical battery power. The electric drivers can power the same auxiliary devices (radiator fan, air conditioner, power steering pump) that originally ran on engine power, eliminating the need for separate auxiliary power units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If electric drivers are used for auxiliary devices, then engine shutdown capability is enabled, but device complexity increases due to additional electrical systems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengine shutdown capabilityVSAvoidelectrical system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements regenerative braking where the motor generator acts as both a motor and a generator. During braking, it captures kinetic energy and converts it to electrical energy to recharge the battery pack, making the system self-sufficient and reducing the need for external charging infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the motor generator with the existing electrical system components (battery pack, electric drivers). The motor generator integrates with the battery pack to form a unified power management system that handles both propulsion assistance and auxiliary device power needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 enables economical and efficient engine shutdown during idling, reduces fuel consumption, and provides extended cabin comfort during rest stops, while also addressing transit idling and integrating seamlessly with original components, resulting in a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution.

Implementation Method 1

a lithium-ion battery system that allows for the shutdown of the internal combustion engine

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBattery (electricity): Battery (electricity)

Implementation Method 2

utilizing regenerative braking and efficient control algorithms to manage energy usage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS9457792B2Retrofitting a vehicle drive train

Publication Date: 2016.10.04 ENGLAND ANTHONY

AI summary

A vehicle includes a drive train having a manual transmission. An internal combustion engine is coupled to the manual transmission via a clutch. The vehicle is retrofitted so that auxiliary devices operate auxiliary systems of the vehicle, a battery energizes electric drivers for the auxiliary devices, a power exchange unit is coupled to the manual transmission via a power takeoff port, an electric generator is coupled to the power exchange unit, and the internal combustion engine drives the electric generator via the power exchange unit. The battery is energized by the electric generator via a battery charger.