Rotor Fluid Channels for Integrated Electric Machine Braking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electric machines for vehicles, particularly heavy-duty trucks, require improved braking efficiency, as existing braking systems are not sufficient for safe descent on long slopes at high speeds.
Innovation Solution
An electric machine with a fluid-based brake arrangement featuring a radial fluid channel segment within the rotor, allowing brake fluid to accelerate and generate a braking torque, providing a simple and reliable braking mechanism with reduced space requirements and enhanced control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional auxiliary braking device (retarder) is used for heavy-duty vehicles, then braking function is provided, but the device occupies additional space and increases system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The brake arrangement is integrated directly into the rotor of the electric machine, merging the braking function with the existing motor structure. This eliminates the need for a separate auxiliary braking device, reducing system complexity while maintaining reliable braking efficiency through the fluid-based braking mechanism within the rotor channels.
2Reliability
If a separate auxiliary braking device is installed, then braking function is achieved, but space occupancy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The braking system is merged with the rotor structure, utilizing the existing space within the rotor for brake fluid channels. This integration eliminates the need for separate braking components, significantly reducing space occupancy while maintaining effective braking function through the accelerated brake fluid generating reaction force.
3Force
If conventional braking systems are used, then basic braking is provided, but braking efficiency is insufficient for high-speed descent
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a fluid-based braking mechanism where brake fluid is accelerated through channels in the rotating rotor, generating high braking torque via reaction force. This hydraulic approach provides superior braking efficiency for high-speed descent compared to conventional mechanical braking systems, as the braking force scales with rotational speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The braking mechanism utilizes the periodic rotation of the rotor to continuously accelerate brake fluid through the channels, generating sustained high braking torque during descent. The rotating motion creates continuous fluid acceleration and reaction force, providing reliable braking efficiency that increases with rotational speed.
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 fluid-based brake arrangement enhances braking efficiency, reduces space occupancy, and allows for higher recuperation power compared to traditional systems, offering improved control and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
acceleration of brake fluid in the at least one radial fluid channel segment causes a reaction force exerting a braking torque on the rotor
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a
Figure 3b
AI summary
The present invention relates to an electric machine (10) comprising a rotor (3), a stator (4), and a fluid-based brake arrangement (2) for said rotor, said fluid-based brake arrangement having a fluid circuit (20) for transporting a brake fluid (30), said fluid circuit comprising a fluid channel arrangement (22) having at least one radial fluid channel segment (24) extending radially through a part of said rotor so as to allow for directing brake fluid from an inner radial rotor side to an outer radial rotor side, whereby, during rotation of said rotor about an axial centre axis, acceleration of brake fluid in said at least one radial fluid channel segment causes a reaction force exerting a braking torque on the rotor.