Vehicle Drive Arrangement With Switchable Auxiliary Mechanical Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromechanical drive arrangements for motor vehicles lack an efficient way to operate auxiliary assemblies like air conditioning compressors and power steering pumps, leading to energy inefficiencies and increased energy consumption, especially when the vehicle is stationary or in overrun mode.
Innovation Solution
An electromechanical drive arrangement with a reduction transmission device and an axial differential transmission that allows for a switchable drive connection between the main drive motor, reduction stage, and auxiliary assemblies, enabling direct mechanical drive without energy conversion, and utilizing a switching element to optimize energy efficiency based on vehicle operating states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If auxiliary assemblies are driven by the main drive motor through the reduction stage, then auxiliary assemblies can be operated when the vehicle is stationary, but energy conversion losses occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic switching mechanism that changes the drive mode of auxiliary assemblies based on vehicle operating conditions. When the vehicle is moving, the auxiliary assemblies are driven mechanically through the reduction stage and differential transmission. When the vehicle is stationary, the system switches to electrical drive mode. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by selecting the most efficient drive mode for each operating state.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the vehicle's own kinetic energy during motion to drive auxiliary assemblies through the mechanical transmission system, eliminating the need for separate electrical power conversion. The mechanical energy already present in the drive train is directly utilized to power auxiliary components like air conditioning compressors and power steering pumps, reducing overall energy consumption.
2Loss of energy
If a switchable drive connection is implemented, then energy efficiency is optimized in different operating modes, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the auxiliary assemblies accessible through multiple drive paths: mechanical drive through the reduction stage and differential transmission, and electrical drive directly from the battery. The auxiliary assemblies are designed with universal compatibility for both drive modes, allowing the system to select the optimal path based on operating conditions without requiring separate dedicated systems for each mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary that manages the switching between different drive modes. It monitors vehicle operating conditions and automatically selects whether to drive auxiliary assemblies mechanically or electrically. This centralized control simplifies the complexity by providing a single point of decision-making rather than requiring distributed control logic throughout the system.
3Loss of energy
If auxiliary assemblies are driven directly mechanically, then energy conversion is minimized, but this mode is not available when the vehicle is stationary
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts its configuration based on vehicle motion state. During vehicle motion, the mechanical drive path is activated for optimal energy efficiency. When the vehicle is stationary, the system transitions to electrical drive mode. This dynamic reconfiguration resolves the contradiction by making the mechanical drive advantage available whenever possible while maintaining operational flexibility through the alternative electrical drive path.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of auxiliary assemblies based on drive mode. When mechanically driven, the auxiliary assemblies operate at speeds and loads determined by the vehicle's motion and transmission ratios. When electrically driven, the control unit can independently regulate the drive parameters. This parameter flexibility allows the system to optimize performance for each drive mode while resolving the contradiction between mechanical efficiency and operational versatility.
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 reduces energy consumption and increases vehicle range by allowing efficient operation of auxiliary assemblies using kinetic energy when moving and direct electrical drive when stationary, minimizing friction losses and enhancing overall efficiency compared to purely electrified systems.
Implementation Method 1
a reduction transmission device which comprises a transmission input, a transmission output, at least one reduction stage and a transmission housing which accommodates the reduction stage
Implementation Method 2
an axial differential transmission for splitting the drive power, which is guided by means of the reduction stage, between a first and a second wheel drive train section
Data Source
AI summary
An electromechanical drive arrangement for a motor vehicle includes an electromechanical main drive motor, a reduction gear unit comprising a gear input, a gear output, at least one reduction stage and a gear housing that houses the reduction stage, an axle differential gear for branching the drive power guided over the reduction stage into a first wheel drive train section and a second wheel drive train section, and an auxiliary unit that can be driven by the main drive motor via the reduction stage. At least parts of the auxiliary unit are integrated into the gear housing. A switching body is provided in the gear housing such that the drive connection from the reduction stage to the axle differential gear can be switchably closed and switchably separated.