Trailer Electric Drive Torque Compensation for AMT Shifts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Towing vehicles equipped with automated manual transmissions experience interruptions in torque output during gear shifts, leading to uneven acceleration, loss of speed, and reduced driving comfort, particularly in truck and trailer combinations, resulting in additional fuel consumption.
Innovation Solution
A system for a vehicle trailer with an electric drive that includes a control unit to receive gear change signals and generate a torque increase request signal, increasing the torque of the electric motor to counteract traction interruptions during gear shifts, thereby maintaining consistent acceleration and reducing speed loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If automated manual transmission is used in towing vehicle, then transmission shifting is automated, but torque output is interrupted during gear shifts causing uneven acceleration and speed loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a second drive unit (electric motor or hybrid drive) as an intermediary to compensate for torque interruptions during gear shifts. When the primary internal combustion engine experiences torque drop during transmission shifting, the second drive unit provides supplemental torque to maintain continuous and smooth operation of the trailer propulsion system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If clutch is opened during transmission shift, then gear change is enabled, but torque delivery to driven wheels is interrupted causing power interruption and speed loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures continuous useful action by implementing a dual-drive system where the second drive unit activates during transmission shifts to maintain continuous torque delivery. This eliminates the interruption caused by clutch engagement/disengagement, ensuring the trailer propulsion remains continuous and smooth throughout the gear change process.
3Speed
If speed loss is compensated by increased torque from internal combustion engine, then speed is restored, but additional fuel consumption occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the energy source parameter by switching from sole reliance on internal combustion engine to a combined dual-drive system. During and after gear shifts, the second drive unit (electric motor or hybrid drive) provides the necessary torque to maintain speed, eliminating the need for the internal combustion engine to consume additional fuel for speed recovery.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a system (10) for a vehicle trailer (106), in particular to a semi-trailer (106) comprising, a function block (30) with a data input (33) for receiving gear change signals (34) of a vehicle (108), in particular a utility vehicle (108), which tows said vehicle trailer (106). The function block (30) comprises a controller (35) for generating a torque-increasing request signal (36) in accordance with a received signal of the gearchange signals (34) and a data output (37) for outputting the torque-increasing request signal (36) to an electric motor control device (14) of at least one electric drive (12) of the vehicle trailer (106). The invention further relates to a vehicle trailer (106) with a system (10) and to a method for operating such a system (10).