Method and apparatus for promoting even wear in a multiple-motor drivetrain
US5537011A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 22, 1994 |
| Grant date | Jul 16, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 22, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T10/72
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An invention is disclosed which promotes even wear within a multiple-motor drivetrain. In one embodiment of the invention, a vehicle drivetrain includes two motors. The total torque to be provided by the motors is partitioned between the motors such that the total efficiency of the drivetrain is maximum. Such partitioning usually involves providing more torque from one motor than from the other. The motor selected to provide the greater torque does so until a predetermined number of differential torque-hours are accumulated between the two motors. The other motor is then selected to provide the greater torque, again until a predetermined number of differential torque-hours are accumulated. Excessive wear of one portion of the driveline is thus prevented.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.