Electric Traction Powertrain Lubrication With Sensor-Based Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lubrication systems in electrically powered traction powertrains lack effective mechanisms to synchronize lubricant delivery with the operational conditions of the transmission, leading to potential starvation or excessive lubrication, which can cause friction and wear.
Innovation Solution
A lubrication system with a lubrication pump controlled by an electronic controller that monitors rotational motion through powertrain sensors, generating commands to deliver variable lubricant quantities based on sensed conditions, ensuring appropriate lubrication regardless of traction motor operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a lubrication system is used in an electrically powered traction powertrain without an internal combustion engine, then the system can operate on electrical power, but there is no mechanical power available to drive the lubrication pump
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical power-driven lubrication system with an electrically controlled pump system. The lubrication pump is driven by an electric motor instead of being mechanically coupled to the internal combustion engine, allowing the system to function in electrically powered traction powertrains where no mechanical power is available from an engine.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensors to detect rotational motion of the traction motor and provides feedback to an electronic controller. The controller adjusts the lubricant delivery quantity based on this feedback, ensuring appropriate lubrication levels match the actual operational conditions of the transmission.
2Ease of operation
If fixed quantity lubrication is provided to the transmission, then the system is simple to operate, but it cannot adapt to varying operational conditions leading to starvation or excessive lubrication
Solution Approach 1:
The lubrication system transitions from a static fixed-quantity delivery system to a dynamic variable-quantity system. The electronic controller continuously adjusts the lubricant delivery quantity based on real-time operational conditions detected by sensors, allowing the system to adapt to varying speeds, loads, and operating modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the lubricant delivery parameter (quantity) based on detected operational conditions. The electronic controller modifies the pump operation parameters in response to sensor feedback, varying the lubricant flow rate to match the transmission's actual lubrication needs under different operating conditions.
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
Ensures consistent and efficient lubrication of transmission components, reducing friction and wear by adapting to varying operational states, including coasting and gear changes.
Implementation Method 1
a lubrication pump configured to pressurize a liquid lubricant
Implementation Method 2
a pump motor to convert the electrical power to rotational motion
Implementation Method 3
configured to sense rotational motion within the traction powertrain and to generate a powertrain rotation signal
Implementation Method 4
delivering a lubricant to the transmission in the traction powertrain
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile machine can include a traction powertrain configured to operate on electrical power and which includes a traction motor coupled to a transmission. To lubricate the transmission, the mobile machine can include a lubrication system having a lubricant pump coupled with a pump motor. The traction motor and the pump motor are electrically arranged in parallel with each other. A powertrain sensor monitors rotational motion in the traction powertrain and an electronic controller can generate a lubricant supply command directing the lubricant pump to deliver a first lubricant quantity to the transmission.