Segmented Drive Unit for Road Milling Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-propelled road milling machines are limited by the fixed transport width, restricting the power of their drive units and preventing the use of higher output drives without exceeding the maximum transport width, which would require a special permit.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a drive unit with two or more drive motors of lower power, which can be transmitted simultaneously to the working unit, allowing for a more compact and higher power output without exceeding the transport width, and enabling efficient power distribution and reduced maintenance costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a single high-power drive motor is used, then the power output is increased, but the transport width is exceeded requiring special permits
Solution Approach 1:
The drive unit is segmented into multiple drive motors (at least two) instead of using a single high-power motor. Each motor contributes to the total power output, achieving high power while maintaining a compact arrangement that fits within the standard transport width of the construction machine.
2Power
If multiple drive motors are used, then the power output is increased within limited space, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power transmission devices of multiple drive motors are merged into a common power transmission path that drives the working drum. This integration allows multiple motors to contribute to a single driven element without requiring completely separate transmission systems, thereby reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The power transmission device is designed to accept power input from multiple drive motors and transmit the combined power to the working drum. This universal design allows the same transmission mechanism to handle power from any combination of the installed drive motors, simplifying the overall system architecture.
3Power
If a single high-power motor is used, then the power output is sufficient, but the maintenance costs and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The drive unit is divided into multiple independent drive motors, each with its own power transmission device. This segmentation means that if one motor or its transmission device requires maintenance, the other motors can continue to operate, reducing maintenance downtime and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design of multiple drive motors allows for easier replacement and recovery of individual components. If a motor or power transmission device fails, only that specific component needs to be replaced rather than the entire drive system, simplifying repair operations and reducing costs.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
The machine has a frame (2) carried by a set of running gears (1). A working drum (4) i.e. milling drum, performs work required for civil engineering operation. A drive unit (5) is carried by the frame to drive the working drum. A power transmitter (6) transmits driving power from the drive unit to the working drum. The drive unit comprises a first drive engine (5A) and a second drive engine (5B). The power transmitter is designed such that driving powers from the engines are simultaneously transmitted to the working drum. The drive engines are internal combustion engines or diesel engines.