Engine-Motor Torque Switching Using Acceleration Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing working machines face challenges in setting torques based on complex operations, reducing power storage capacity when power is low, and continuing assistance in overloading states regardless of effectiveness.

Innovation Solution

A working machine equipped with an acceleration sensor, controller, and motor generator system that selectively sets assisting or generating operations based on the machine's traveling state, ensuring efficient power storage and torque management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If the motor generator continuously provides assistance in the working mode, then the output torque is improved, but the remaining capacity of the power storage is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput torqueVSAvoidremaining capacity of power storage
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic switching between assisting operation and generating operation based on real-time acceleration detection. The controller adjusts the motor generator's function according to the working machine's motion state, transitioning from continuous assistance to selective assistance or power generation, thereby optimizing power storage utilization while maintaining adequate output torque when needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Use of energy by moving object

If the powering torque value is limited when remaining power storage is low, then the power storage capacity is secured, but the combined output of the engine and motor generator is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower storage capacityVSAvoidcombined output
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the motor generator's operation mode based on acceleration detection. When deceleration is detected, the system switches to generating operation to recharge the power storage, avoiding the need to limit powering torque during low power storage states. This maintains combined output while securing power storage capacity through regenerative braking

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Power

If the assistance is continued in an overloading state, then the output torque is maintained, but the assistance becomes ineffective and power is wasted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput torqueVSAvoidpower waste
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs feedback control by continuously monitoring acceleration to determine the appropriate operation mode. When deceleration or idle states are detected, the system switches to generating operation or stops assistance, preventing continuous power consumption in ineffective states. This feedback mechanism ensures assistance is provided only when dynamically necessary, reducing energy waste while maintaining output torque when needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3992010B1Work machine
Publication Date: 2026.02.18 KUBOTA CORP
  • EP3992010B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3992010B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3992010B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

To easily set a torque or the like based on operations of a working machine (1). The working machine (1) includes a machine body (2), an engine (60) provided on the machine body (2), a motor generator to be operated as a motor to assist driving of the engine (60) in an assisting operation and to be operated as a generator (63) by power of the engine (60) to generate electricity in a generating operation, a battery (66) to store the electricity generated by the motor generator, an acceleration sensor to measure acceleration of the machine body (2), and a controller to selectively set either one of the assisting operation and the generating operation based on the acceleration of the machine body (2) measured by the acceleration sensor.