Agricultural Machine Drivetrain Layout for Split Hybrid Power

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing agricultural working machines with both internal combustion engines and hybrid modules require drivetrains designed for the sum of their output powers, leading to inefficient designs that are often oversized for typical operating conditions.

Innovation Solution

The hybrid module is positioned in the rear region of the machine, with separate output shafts supplying power to a transmission device, allowing the drivetrain to be optimized for individual power contributions rather than their combined maximum.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If the drivetrain is designed for the sum of output powers of the internal combustion engine and hybrid module, then the maximum system power is achieved, but the drivetrain becomes oversized and inefficient for typical operating conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaximum system powerVSAvoiddrivetrain efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The drivetrain is segmented into two separate drivetrain sections: a first drivetrain section for the internal combustion engine and a second drivetrain section for the hybrid module. Each section is independently designed and optimized for its specific power requirements, allowing efficient power transmission without requiring the entire drivetrain to be oversized for peak combined power.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between different power sources and transmission paths based on operating conditions. The internal combustion engine and hybrid module can operate independently or in combination, with the drivetrain adapting its configuration to match actual power demands rather than being fixed for maximum power.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If the hybrid module is positioned in the front region with the internal combustion engine, then power integration is simplified, but the mass distribution becomes unbalanced and affects rear-mounted implements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower integration complexityVSAvoidmass distribution
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The hybrid module is positioned in the rear region of the work machine, spatially separated from the internal combustion engine in the front region. This spatial separation along the longitudinal dimension allows each power source to be optimally positioned for its function while achieving balanced mass distribution across the vehicle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Productivity

If separate drivetrain sections are used for internal combustion engine and hybrid module, then the drivetrain can be optimized for individual power contributions, but the overall system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrivetrain optimizationVSAvoiddrivetrain configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The drivetrain is divided into separate sections for the internal combustion engine and hybrid module, with each section optimized for its specific power characteristics. This segmentation allows independent optimization of transmission components, shafts, and connectors for each power source's operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The transmission device is designed with multiple inputs to receive power from both the internal combustion engine and hybrid module, allowing it to function as a universal power combining unit. This multi-functional transmission handles both power sources and can distribute power to various outputs including the rear wheels and power take-off shafts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3932716B1Agricultural machine
Publication Date: 2025.07.09 CLAAS TRACTOR
  • EP3932716B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3932716B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The present application relates to an agricultural machine comprising a front axle (2) and a rear axle (3), an internal combustion engine (4), at least one hybrid module (5) and a transmission device (6), wherein the internal combustion engine (4) and the hybrid module (5) are each operatively connected to the transmission device (6), wherein the transmission device (6) can receive both an output power of the internal combustion engine (4) and an output power of the hybrid module (5) and transmit the combined output powers to the rear axle (3), so that rear wheels (8) of the machine (1) arranged on the rear axle (3) can be driven, wherein the internal combustion engine (4) is arranged in a front area (9) of the machine (1).In order to provide a working machine whose drive train is more efficient compared to the prior art, it is proposed according to the invention that the hybrid module (5) is arranged in a rear area (10) of the working machine (1), wherein the output powers of the internal combustion engine (4) and the hybrid module (5) can be supplied separately to the transmission device (6).