Endless Track Torque Assist With Battery Heating for Low-RPM Pull
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endless track conveyance machines, such as snowmobiles and snow bikes, face challenges in torque performance at lower RPM ranges, leading to longer times to reach peak torque and power levels.
Innovation Solution
A torque assist system that couples an electric motor in parallel with the internal combustion engine, utilizing a battery temperature assist subsystem to ensure maximum current availability, particularly in cold weather conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the internal combustion engine is designed to deliver peak torque at higher RPM ranges to maximize power, then power and acceleration at higher RPMs are improved, but torque performance at lower RPM ranges deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines an internal combustion engine with an electric motor in a hybrid powertrain system. The electric motor is coupled to the engine through a coupling device, allowing the two power sources to work together. The electric motor provides torque at lower RPM ranges where the engine performs poorly, while the engine handles higher RPM power delivery, creating a complementary relationship that resolves the torque-power trade-off.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a controller as an intermediary that manages the coordination between the engine and electric motor. The controller receives signals from both power sources and determines optimal power distribution, enabling seamless transition and collaboration between the engine and motor to deliver appropriate torque across the full RPM range.
2Power
If the engine is designed for peak torque at higher RPMs, then maximum power output is improved, but the time to reach peak torque increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electric motor provides preliminary torque assistance during the acceleration phase before the engine reaches its peak torque RPM range. This preliminary action from the motor reduces the time needed to reach peak power by bridging the gap during the transition period, allowing the vehicle to achieve peak power output faster than the engine alone could.
3Force
If an electric motor is added to provide torque assistance at lower RPMs, then torque performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electric motor and coupling device are designed to serve multiple functions: providing torque assistance at low RPM, enabling regenerative braking by recovering energy during deceleration, and offering flexible power distribution modes. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering benefits beyond simple torque assistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates regenerative braking capability where the electric motor acts as a generator during deceleration to recharge the battery. This self-service feature allows the system to partially replenish its own energy storage, offsetting some of the complexity through energy recovery and improved overall efficiency.
4Use of energy by moving object
If the battery is operated at or above minimum temperature to provide maximum current, then current availability is improved, but system complexity increases due to temperature management
Solution Approach 1:
A temperature management system with sensors and control logic acts as an intermediary between the battery and the powertrain. This intermediary monitors battery temperature and adjusts operating parameters or activates heating/cooling mechanisms as needed, managing the complexity of temperature control while ensuring optimal current availability.
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 torque assist system enhances performance by providing additional torque at lower RPM ranges, reducing the time to reach peak engine torque and power, and ensuring immediate supplemental torque during high-load conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a second heat exchanger in thermal communication with the battery, the second heat exchanger configured to receive the diverted fraction of the heated cooling fluid and to transfer the heat from the heated cooling fluid to the battery as it flows therethrough
Data Source
AI summary
Conveyance vehicles such as snow bikes and snowmobiles having an endless track system driven by a combustion engine are enhanced in performance with a torque assist system. The torque assist system includes an electric motor that is coupled to drive the track in parallel with the original internal combustion engine through either its own track drive, or through the drive system of the engine. The motor can be a spindle drive motor or hub motor. Torque assist is generated through a torque assist throttle input coupled to a motor controller. A battery temperature assist system diverts heated cooling fluid from the engine cooling system to heat the battery through its own heat exchanger. The controller is coupled to a processing device such as a smart phone that executes apps configured to provide parametric data to the controller and to receive parametric data from the controller through a user interface.