Wheel-Driven Generator With Planetary Gear Alignment Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The misalignment of the generator with the wheels in existing trailer or railway carriage systems leads to undesirable torques and vibrations in the mechanical suspension, potentially causing failure.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle design where the rotor of the generator is connected to the wheel via a shaft and a gearbox, with an asynchronous or permanent magnet generator, and an AC/DC inverter/charger to regulate power, ensuring the generator is aligned with the wheels and reducing heat production, and optionally using a hydraulic system for power generation during deceleration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the generator is connected to the wheel via a shaft and gearbox, then power generation efficiency is improved, but misalignment causes undesirable torques and vibrations in the mechanical suspension
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a shaft as an intermediary component that extends axially from the wheel center to connect the wheel to the generator rotor. This shaft serves as a mediator that transmits rotational motion while maintaining proper alignment between the wheel axis and generator axis, thereby preventing misalignment-induced torques and vibrations in the mechanical suspension system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs an asymmetric configuration where the generator is positioned offset from the wheel center, connected via a shaft that extends axially from the wheel center. This asymmetric arrangement allows the generator to be driven by the wheel through the shaft while maintaining alignment, resolving the contradiction between power generation efficiency and mechanical suspension reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a gear box is used to regulate rotation speed, then the generator can operate efficiently at varying wheel speeds, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft acts as an intermediary that simplifies the connection between the wheel and generator, reducing the need for complex speed regulation mechanisms. By extending axially from the wheel center, the shaft provides a direct mechanical connection that maintains alignment while allowing for speed variation through the generator's internal design rather than complex external gearing.
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 solution provides a reliable, compact, and lightweight system that minimizes vibrations and torques, ensuring stable operation and efficient power generation for the refrigeration unit, while maintaining alignment and reducing heat production.
Implementation Method 1
said generator having a stator and a rotor being arranged to generate electrical power for charging said battery
Implementation Method 2
the shaft is furthermore rotatably connected to the rotor by means of at least one bearing
Implementation Method 3
said at least one wheel drives said rotor of said generator by means of a hydraulic system
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A vehicle having wheels for riding the vehicle over a carrier such as a road or rails, said vehicle having a battery and a generator connected thereto, said generator having a stator and a rotor being arranged to generate electrical power for charging said battery, wherein said wheel drives said rotor by means of a shaft connected to the centre of said wheel and axially extending therefrom, wherein the connection between said rotor and said shaft comprises a gear box for regulating the rotation speed of said rotor relative to the rotation speed of said wheel, characterized in that said gear box comprises a planetary gear train of the type having a sun gear, planet gears and an annular gear, and that said shaft, said sun gear and said rotor extend around a common axis.