Integrated Clutch-Planetary Transmission for Shorter EV Drivelines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle transmissions for electric and fuel cell electric vehicles in heavy-duty trucking require longer drive systems and longer wheelbases, which hinder maneuverability and increase costs, especially in urban applications where compactness and cost-effectiveness are crucial.
Innovation Solution
A transmission apparatus comprising a clutch assembly and a planetary gear assembly, where the clutch assembly includes multiple clutch sleeves attached to a single clutch hub, allowing for axial movement to engage different components of the planetary gear assembly, resulting in a compact, power-dense, and cost-effective transmission system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If automated-manual type transmissions are used in EV and FCEV applications, then the transmission can handle heavy-duty trucking requirements, but the drive system length increases and the wheelbase becomes longer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the clutch assembly and planetary gear assembly into a single integrated transmission apparatus. The clutch hub and planetary gear housing form a unified structure that reduces overall drive system length while maintaining the power handling capabilities needed for heavy-duty trucking applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch assembly is nested within the planetary gear assembly housing. The clutch hub is positioned centrally within the planetary gear housing, allowing compact arrangement of components that reduces the overall length of the drive system while preserving full functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the electric motor and transmission are moved farther back towards the drive axle to facilitate packaging, then additional components can be packaged, but the wheelbase becomes longer and maneuverability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the clutch and planetary gear assemblies into one integrated unit, the patent reduces the overall space required for the transmission system. This compact integration allows the motor and transmission to be positioned closer to the front of the vehicle, shortening the wheelbase while still accommodating all necessary components for EV and FCEV applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated transmission apparatus serves multiple functions within a single compact structure. The clutch assembly handles power engagement and disengagement, while the planetary gear assembly provides gear reduction, all within one housing that optimizes space utilization and allows flexible packaging arrangements.
3Length of moving object
If a compact transmission design is implemented, then the drive system length is reduced and maneuverability is improved, but the complexity of the clutch and planetary gear integration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated transmission apparatus is segmented into distinct functional modules: the clutch assembly with its hub and sleeves, and the planetary gear assembly with sun gears, planet gears, and ring gears. This modular segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall compactness, reducing the complexity of integration compared to a fully monolithic design.
Data Source
AI summary
A transmission apparatus and associated methods for a transportation system. The transmission apparatus includes a clutch assembly and a planetary gear assembly. The clutch assembly includes a clutch hub, a first clutch sleeve, and a second clutch sleeve. The first clutch sleeve is axially movable relative to the clutch hub to selectively engage a first component of a planetary gear assembly. The second clutch sleeve is axially movable relative to the clutch hub to selectively engage a second component of the planetary gear assembly. The planetary gear assembly includes a plurality of planet gears and a planet carrier. Each of the plurality of planet gears is supported in a rotatable manner by the planet carrier. In some embodiments, the first component of the planetary gear assembly is a first sun gear that engages each of the plurality of planet gears.