Wheel-Mounted Electric Traction Aid for Low-Speed Start Grip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Light commercial vehicles, special purpose vehicles, and trailers face challenges with traction on slippery surfaces due to lack of conventional all-wheel drive systems, leading to wheel spin and starting issues, while conventional all-wheel drive systems result in unnecessary weight and fuel consumption.
Innovation Solution
A traction assistance system using an electric machine with a stator and rotor, controlled by a unit that generates torque only below a predetermined speed threshold, providing direct or indirect torque-resistant coupling to the wheel rim, allowing for retrofittable installation on vehicles and trailers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional all-wheel drive system is installed to improve traction on slippery surfaces, then the vehicle can start moving on ice or snow, but the vehicle weight increases and fuel consumption rises
Solution Approach 1:
The all-wheel drive function is segmented into two parts: a permanently driven axle and an additionally driven axle that can be activated only when needed for starting on low-traction surfaces. This allows the vehicle to have light vehicle weight under normal conditions while still providing all-wheel drive capability when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The axle drive system is designed to be dynamically switchable between permanently driven and additionally driven states. The additional axle drive can be engaged or disengaged based on driving conditions, allowing the vehicle to adapt its traction capability to match actual needs and avoid unnecessary weight and energy consumption.
2Reliability
If a conventional all-wheel drive system is installed to improve starting capability on low-traction surfaces, then the vehicle can move off on slippery roads, but the payload capacity decreases due to additional weight
Solution Approach 1:
The drive system is segmented so that only one axle is permanently driven while the other axle can be additionally driven when needed. This reduces the overall weight compared to a full all-wheel drive system, thereby increasing payload capacity while still providing the necessary starting capability on low-traction surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the axle drives based on driving conditions. Under normal conditions, only the permanently driven axle operates, but when starting on low-traction surfaces is required, the additional axle drive is activated to provide the necessary traction.
3Reliability
If an axle drive system is added to provide starting aid on low-traction surfaces, then the vehicle can start moving on slippery terrain, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control units for the permanently driven axle and the additionally driven axle are merged into a single integrated control system. This integration simplifies the overall device complexity by reducing the number of separate control units and interconnections while still providing the full starting aid capability on low-traction surfaces.
4Reliability
If a heavy-duty towing vehicle is selected to ensure adequate towing capability on poor roads, then the towing capacity is sufficient, but the fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The towing vehicle is equipped with a dynamically switchable additional axle drive that can be activated when towing on poor roads. This allows a lighter vehicle to maintain adequate towing capability by providing extra traction only when needed, rather than requiring a permanently heavier vehicle with constant all-wheel drive.
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
The system provides effective traction support at low speeds, reducing the need for additional weight and fuel consumption, while being compact and cost-effective, enabling traction assistance for vehicles and trailers without structural modifications.
Implementation Method 1
an electric machine for generating the torque, the electric machine having a stator and a rotor
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7
AI summary
Traction aid system (1) for generating torque at a wheel (4) of a motor vehicle (2) or trailer (3), comprising: - an electric machine (5) for generating the torque, wherein the electric machine (4) has a stator (6) and a rotor (7), and - a control unit (8) for electrically driving the electric machine (4) at least as a function of a speed signal, only if this speed signal represents a speed below a predetermined threshold, wherein - the rotor (7) is configured either for direct torque-resistant coupling with a predetermined rim (9) or for indirect torque-resistant coupling with the rim (9) shaped as intended via a gearbox (10), and - the traction aid system (1) has a stator connection unit (11),wherein the stator connection unit (11) is designed for direct torque-resistant coupling with a suitable vehicle component of the motor vehicle (2) or trailer (3).