Vehicle Torque Transmission Decoupling for Energy Loss Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles with internal combustion engines or electric drives face increased fuel consumption and pollutant emissions due to higher energy losses at low fluid temperatures, where torque transmission devices experience higher viscosity and friction, leading to inefficient energy use.
Innovation Solution
The method involves decoupling the torque transmission device and wheels at high vehicle speeds to reduce rotational losses, and coupling them at lower speeds to increase rotational speed and heat input, thereby reducing viscosity and energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the torque transmission device is coupled to the wheels at low vehicle speeds, then the fluid is rapidly heated to operating temperature, but energy losses increase due to higher viscosity and friction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by intentionally coupling the torque transmission device to the wheels at low speeds before normal operation to preheat the fluid. This preliminary heating action prepares the system for efficient operation at higher speeds by ensuring the fluid reaches optimal temperature and viscosity levels in advance, preventing excessive energy losses during actual driving conditions.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the torque transmission device is decoupled from the wheels at high vehicle speeds, then fuel consumption and emissions are reduced, but the fluid temperature decreases and viscosity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by alternately coupling and decoupling the torque transmission device based on vehicle speed conditions. At high speeds, the device is decoupled to reduce energy consumption and emissions. At low speeds, it is coupled again to reheate the fluid and maintain temperature. This periodic switching strategy balances fuel efficiency with fluid temperature maintenance, optimizing overall system performance.
3Reliability
If the torque transmission device operates continuously, then torque transmission is maintained, but energy consumption increases due to rotational losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the coupling between the torque transmission device and wheels variable rather than fixed. The system dynamically switches between coupled and decoupled states based on real-time vehicle speed conditions. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maintain torque transmission when needed while eliminating unnecessary rotational losses during high-speed cruising, significantly reducing overall energy consumption.
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 approach reduces fuel consumption and pollutant emissions by minimizing energy losses at high speeds and rapidly heating the fluid at lower speeds, enhancing efficiency and range.
Implementation Method 1
The torque transmission device has at least one rotatably mounted element which splashes when rotating in a fluid and thereby performs displacement work. fluids, which are in connection with moving components of the vehicle and which offer considerable resistance to the moving parts in these fluids at low temperatures, are brought quickly to operating temperature. These higher losses at lower temperatures have to be additionally provided by a drive motor of the vehicle
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for operating a vehicle (1) that comprises: at least one torque-transmitting device (6, 13), which splashes in a fluid during rotation; at least two axles (2, 3) each having at least two wheels (2-1, 2-2, 3-1, 3-2); at least one controllable coupling device (5, 14), by means of which the torque-transmitting device (6, 13) and at least one of the wheels (2-1, 2-2, 3-1, 3-2) can be selectively coupled or uncoupled in a torque-transmitting manner; wherein in an operating state in which there is no torque request of a vehicle driver, the torque-transmitting device (6, 13) and the at least one wheel (2-1, 2-2, 3-1, 3-2) are uncoupled if the travel speed of the vehicle (1) is greater than or equal to a specified speed threshold valve and the torque-transmitting device (6, 13) and the at least one wheel (2-1, 2-2, 3-1, 3-2) are coupled in torque-transmitting manner if the travel speed is less than the specified speed threshold value.