Container Trailer Auxiliary Drive Unit for Fuel Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional semi-trailer vehicles equipped with large engines and multi-stage transmissions are inefficient when not fully loaded, leading to excessive fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, as they require a different engine output and gear configuration for loaded and unloaded conditions.
Innovation Solution
A container trailer vehicle with an auxiliary drive unit featuring an electric motor, generator, and replaceable battery is installed, allowing the semi-trailer to be driven by the electric motor when necessary, minimizing engine use and optimizing transmission efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a large displacement engine and large multi-stage transmission are equipped in the semi-trailer to handle heavy container loads, then the trailer can tow heavy containers, but fuel consumption increases significantly when driving with empty containers or light loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the transmission system adjustable with multiple gear stages that can be dynamically selected based on load conditions. The transmission includes a first gear stage for heavy loads, a second gear stage for medium loads, and a third gear stage for light loads, allowing the system to adapt its mechanical advantage ratio to match the actual towing requirements, thereby optimizing fuel efficiency across different operating conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the transmission ratio parameter based on load conditions. The transmission system provides different gear ratios (first, second, and third gear stages) that can be selected according to the weight of the container being towed. This parameter adjustment allows the engine to operate at optimal efficiency points regardless of whether the trailer is carrying heavy containers, empty containers, or light loads
2Force
If a large multi-stage transmission is used to provide sufficient torque for heavy loads, then the trailer can start and accelerate with full container load, but the complexity of the transmission system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the transmission system into distinct gear stages (first gear stage, second gear stage, third gear stage), each optimized for specific load ranges. This segmentation allows the complex torque multiplication function to be divided into manageable stages, where each stage handles a specific portion of the torque requirement, making the overall system more controllable and maintainable while still providing the necessary force for heavy loads
3Use of energy by moving object
If a small displacement engine is used to reduce fuel consumption during light load operation, then fuel efficiency improves, but insufficient torque is available for starting with heavy container loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the need for a constantly large-displacement engine with a combination of a smaller engine and a mechanically adjustable transmission system. The transmission's multiple gear stages substitute for engine size by providing mechanical torque multiplication when needed, allowing a smaller, more fuel-efficient engine to deliver the high starting torque required for heavy loads through appropriate gear selection
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 fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by enabling efficient operation with a small-output engine and transmission, even when the trailer is not fully loaded, and allows for extended driving range on a single battery charge.
Implementation Method 1
a battery module detachably installed in the case through the door of the battery box
Implementation Method 2
a generator installed on a wheel of the container trailer to charge the battery module
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a container trailer vehicle equipped with a replaceable battery, and an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a container trailer vehicle capable of minimizing the use of a truck engine and multi-stage transmission by installing an auxiliary drive unit equipped with an electric motor, generator and replaceable battery on the trailer and driving the semi-trailer vehicle with the electric motor when necessary.