Split Electrical Power System for Rapid Amphibian Wheel Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high-speed amphibian wheel actuation systems face challenges in achieving rapid and controlled mode changes between land and water modes, compromising suspension performance, ground clearance, and power transmission while operating at high speeds, especially in off-road conditions with extreme loading.
Innovation Solution
A high-speed actuation system with a split electrical power system, utilizing a 12V primary system and a 24V 'boost' mode for rapid wheel retraction and protraction, controlled by a controller to achieve mode changes in under 5 seconds, without compromising existing vehicle components or increasing the entire vehicle voltage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a standard electrical power system is used for wheel retraction and protraction, then the system is simple and reliable, but the actuation speed is limited and cannot achieve rapid mode changes
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical power system is segmented into two distinct voltage systems: a standard 12V system for normal vehicle operations and a 24V boost system specifically for wheel retraction and protraction. This segmentation allows the high-speed actuation function to have dedicated high-power resources without complicating the entire vehicle's electrical architecture. The controller intelligently switches between these segmented power sources based on operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The power system dynamically adjusts its voltage output based on the operational state. During normal vehicle operation, the system operates at 12V for stability and compatibility. When rapid wheel retraction or protraction is required, the system dynamically switches to 24V mode to provide the necessary high power for fast actuation, then returns to 12V after the transition is complete. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between speed and complexity.
2Power
If the entire vehicle voltage is increased to 24V to achieve faster actuation, then the power available for wheel retraction and protraction increases, but existing vehicle components and systems are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of raising the entire vehicle's voltage system to 24V, the patent segments the power system so that only the wheel actuation function operates at 24V while all other vehicle systems continue to operate at the standard 12V. This selective voltage segmentation preserves compatibility with existing components while providing high power where needed. The controller manages this segmentation by routing actuation power through the 24V boost system while keeping the rest of the vehicle on the 12V network.
Solution Approach 2:
The high-voltage 24V power is applied locally only to the wheel retraction and protraction actuators rather than globally to the entire vehicle. This local quality approach ensures that high power is available exactly where needed for rapid mode changes, while other vehicle components continue to receive appropriate 12V power, maintaining their reliability and compatibility without modification.
3Loss of time
If wheel retraction and protraction speed is increased to achieve seamless mode changes, then the transition time between land and water modes is reduced, but the control precision and smoothness of the transition deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The high-speed actuation is applied in controlled periodic bursts rather than as a continuous force. The controller activates the 24V boost power in timed intervals during the retraction or protraction process, providing high power only when needed to overcome inertia and friction, then reducing power to maintain smooth motion. This periodic application of high power achieves fast transitions while preventing jerky or erratic wheel movement, maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor the position, velocity, and acceleration of the wheels during retraction and protraction. This feedback allows the controller to dynamically adjust the power delivery in real-time, ensuring that the high-speed actuation remains smooth and controlled. The feedback loop prevents excessive force application that would cause jerky motion while maintaining the high speed necessary for rapid mode changes, thus resolving the contradiction between transition speed and smoothness.
Data Source
AI summary
A high speed actuation system for protracting and retracting a retractable wheel and/or track drive assembly of an amphibian includes an actuator, at least one retractable wheel and/or track drive assembly comprising at least one wheel and/or track drive supported directly or indirectly by a suspension assembly and movable between a protracted and retracted positions, an energy source for providing power to the actuator, and a controller that controls in amount the power provided by the energy source to the actuator such that the time of actuation to retract the at least one retractable wheel and/or track drive assembly from a protracted position to a retracted position, or to protract the at least one retractable wheel and/or track drive assembly from a retracted position to a protracted position, is less than 5 seconds.