Trailer Auxiliary Axle Coupling for On-Demand Traction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling and uncoupling mechanisms for auxiliary traction-regenerative shafts in vehicles lead to energy loss and increased fuel consumption due to friction in flat terrain conditions, as they maintain constant engagement even when auxiliary traction is not needed.
Innovation Solution
A device and method for controlling the coupling and decoupling of an auxiliary regenerative engine with a shaft, using a free differential assembly and a control system to synchronize engine rotation with the shaft, allowing the system to operate as a traction helper on demand and decouple when not needed, thus avoiding unnecessary energy loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the auxiliary engine is constantly coupled to the shaft, then auxiliary traction and regenerative functions are available, but energy loss increases due to friction in flat terrain conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic coupling/decoupling mechanism that allows the auxiliary engine to be connected to or disconnected from the shaft based on real-time operational conditions. The free differential assembly enables the shaft to rotate independently when the auxiliary engine is decoupled, eliminating friction losses during normal operation while maintaining the capability to engage auxiliary traction when needed.
2Loss of energy
If the auxiliary engine is decoupled from the shaft, then energy loss due to friction is reduced, but auxiliary traction function is lost when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary coupling of the auxiliary engine to the shaft before auxiliary traction is actually needed, such as when approaching uphill terrain. The control system detects upcoming conditions and engages the auxiliary engine in advance, ensuring immediate availability of auxiliary traction when required while minimizing the duration of coupled operation to reduce energy losses.
3Force
If mechanical coupling components are engaged, then torque transmission is enabled, but drag increases restricting wheel turning movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power transmission system into distinct coupled and decoupled states using a free differential assembly. This segmentation allows the mechanical coupling components to be disengaged from the shaft, eliminating the drag that would otherwise restrict wheel turning movement during normal operation, while maintaining the capability to re-engage torque transmission when auxiliary traction is required.
Data Source
AI summary
A road implement having an auxiliary shaft associated with an auxiliary engine, a coupling and/or uncoupling device and a method for controlling the coupling and/or uncoupling between a shaft of road implements and an auxiliary engine associated with the shaft. Specifically, the road implement has a device that couples and/or decouples the effects of at least one auxiliary engine to a shaft, allowing that, in a coupled state, the shaft receives auxiliary traction from the auxiliary engine or the auxiliary engine acts as a generator of braking energy in a regenerative way and, in a decoupled state, it allows the shaft to rotate freely so that no energy losses occur due to friction of the device components.