Transfer Case Change-Over Coupling for Selective Machine Unit Drive

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing material processing plants face inefficiencies due to the continuous operation of machine units regardless of their necessity, leading to unnecessary energy consumption and reduced overall system efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The system allows for selective coupling and decoupling of machine units to the drive train based on operating mode, using switchable clutches to ensure that only required machine units are connected during their respective modes, optimizing energy use by alternating between internal combustion engine and electric motor operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If machine units are continuously connected to the drive train, then they are always available for operation, but unnecessary energy is consumed and system efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveavailability of machine unitsVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamic coupling and decoupling of machine units to the drive train based on operating mode. The coupling device selectively connects machine units only when needed (combustion engine mode) and disconnects them when not needed (electric motor mode), making the system configuration dynamic rather than static. This resolves the contradiction by ensuring availability when required while eliminating unnecessary energy consumption during idle periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If all machine units are always connected to the drive train, then the system is complete and ready for any operation, but the complexity of the drive train increases and efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoiddrive train complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the drive train into distinct operational modes with selective connectivity. The coupling device divides the machine units into those required for combustion engine operation and those not required, allowing independent connection and disconnection. This segmentation maintains operational flexibility for combustion engine mode while reducing effective complexity during electric motor operation by removing unnecessary components from the active system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Loss of energy

If machine units are decoupled from the drive train, then energy consumption is reduced, but the coupling and decoupling operations increase system complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidcoupling mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling device serves multiple functions: it couples machine units to the drive train, transmits mechanical power, and acts as a switching mechanism for operational modes. By combining these functions into a single device, the patent reduces the need for separate coupling mechanisms while achieving energy savings through selective decoupling. The universal design minimizes added complexity while maximizing energy efficiency benefits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4606483A1Transfer case with change-over coupling
Publication Date: 2025.08.27 KLEEMANN
  • EP4606483A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4606483A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4606483A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a drive for a mobile material processing plant (1), in particular for a rock crusher, comprising an internal combustion engine (12) and an electric motor (19). The internal combustion engine (12) can be selectively coupled to or uncoupled from a mechanical drive train (14) on the drive side thereof by means of an internal combustion engine coupling (13), and the electric motor (19) can be selectively coupled to or uncoupled from the drive side thereof by means of an electric motor coupling (19.2). The drive train (14) has an output side with at least one output, and at least one machine unit, in particular an electric generator (36.2), is driven by means of the output(s). For efficiency-optimized operation of such a material processing plant, it is provided that the at least one machine unit can be coupled to or uncoupled from the output by means of a switchable machine unit coupling, and that the electric motor coupling (19.2)2) or the internal combustion engine clutch (13) is operatively connected to the machine unit clutch via a coupling (39), in particular a mechanical or hydraulic coupling (39).