Vehicle Drive Arrangement with Mechanical Differential Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drive arrangements in vehicles with front and rear ground engaging means are inefficient due to the constant use of two hydraulic motors, even under normal circumstances, which wastes energy and is not optimized for different driving conditions.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical differential lock system that allows for efficient operation by using a motor only when necessary, with the ability to adjust drive speeds on both sides during turns, and can be applied to various types of ground engaging means, including wheels and tracks, using a control device to manage motor engagement based on steering angle and differential lock signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two hydraulic motors are used continuously to control slippage and prevent mechanical locking, then slippage control is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates due to constant motor operation even under normal circumstances
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between mechanical differential lock mode for normal operation and hydraulic motor intervention mode for slippage control. The differential lock engages/disengages based on detected slippage conditions, while hydraulic motors are activated only when slippage exceeds thresholds, creating a dynamic, adaptive system that optimizes energy use while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces continuous hydraulic motor control with a mechanical differential lock system for normal differential operation. The mechanical lock provides inherent slippage control through its design, eliminating the need for continuous hydraulic actuation and associated energy consumption, while hydraulic motors serve as supplementary actuators only when mechanical control is insufficient
2Speed
If a mechanical differential lock is used to ensure both sides rotate at the same speed, then speed control during straight driving is improved, but adaptability to turning conditions deteriorates unless motor intervention is added
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges mechanical differential lock functionality with hydraulic motor intervention capabilities. The mechanical lock provides the primary speed control mechanism for straight driving, while hydraulic motors are integrated to provide supplementary torque and speed control during turning operations, combining the advantages of both mechanical precision and hydraulic adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The control system acts as an intermediary between the mechanical differential lock and hydraulic motors, detecting driving conditions and coordinating their operation. During straight driving, the mechanical lock operates independently; during turns, the control system activates hydraulic motors to compensate for the mechanical lock's speed equalization tendency, ensuring smooth adaptability to varying road conditions
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A drive arrangement (20) in a vehicle (10) having front and rear ground engaging means (14) and steering means (28), has a differential transmission (34), a differential lock (42), a planetary final drive (36) on each side of the vehicle (10) and a motor (38) acting onto one member of the planetary final drives (36). Said motor (38) is controlled depending on the steering angle such, that it provides for a difference in the drive speed on the left and the right side. (Figure 2)