Compact Hybrid Power Unit for Space-Constrained Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-track passenger vehicles with serial hybrid drives face challenges in achieving low emissions, quiet operation, and space-saving designs while maintaining optimal drive conditions, particularly due to the bulky size of the power unit which restricts steering angle and interior space.
Innovation Solution
A compact power unit comprising a reciprocating engine and generator, arranged with tandem piston-cylinder units and counter-rotating crankshafts, is designed to be narrow and shallow, allowing for larger wheel housings and a larger crumple zone, with the generator attached to the crankshafts and the battery positioned below the passenger compartment for enhanced safety and space utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If a conventional power unit with reciprocating engine and generator is installed in a multi-track passenger vehicle, then the vehicle can achieve electric drive with reduced emissions, but the power unit occupies excessive space in the trunk and restricts steering angle and crumple zone design
Solution Approach 1:
The power unit is segmented into two separate units: a compact reciprocating engine unit and a separate generator unit. The reciprocating engine unit has a width of at most 750 mm and a depth of at most 310 mm, allowing it to be positioned in the front of the vehicle without encroaching on trunk space. The generator is mounted separately, enabling independent optimization of each component's location and size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent repositions the power unit from the conventional trunk area to the front vehicle space, utilizing the longitudinal dimension more effectively. By placing the compact reciprocating engine unit in the front with specific dimensional constraints (width ≤750 mm, depth ≤310 mm), the design frees up trunk space while maintaining the electric drive system's emission-reducing benefits.
2Power
If a larger power unit is installed to ensure optimal drive conditions, then the generator can be properly driven by the reciprocating engine, but the steering angle is restricted and turning circles are enlarged
Solution Approach 1:
The power transmission system is segmented into distinct functional units: the reciprocating engine unit (with width ≤750 mm, depth ≤310 mm) positioned in the front, and the generator mounted separately. This segmentation allows the engine unit to be compact enough to accommodate larger wheel housings and achieve greater steering angles, while still maintaining sufficient power transmission capability through the separated generator connection.
3Reliability
If the power unit is designed with larger dimensions to accommodate proper engine and generator components, then the system can operate quietly and vibration-free, but the crumple zone is reduced and pedestrian protection is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The power unit is segmented into a compact reciprocating engine unit (width ≤750 mm, depth ≤310 mm) positioned in the front, separated from the generator. This compact segmentation creates sufficient space in the front vehicle area for an extended crumple zone, improving pedestrian protection and crash safety, while the separate generator mounting allows for proper engineering of quiet and vibration-free operation.
Solution Approach 2:
A vibration and noise insulation arrangement is introduced as an intermediary element between the reciprocating engine unit and the vehicle structure. This intermediary layer absorbs and isolates vibrations and noise, enabling quiet and vibration-free operation while maintaining the compact engine unit dimensions that support extended crumple zone design for improved pedestrian protection.
4Productivity
If the reciprocating engine is positioned to optimize power transmission to the generator, then the drive efficiency is improved, but the vehicle interior space and wheel housing size are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The power unit is segmented into a compact reciprocating engine unit (width ≤750 mm, depth ≤310 mm) positioned in the front vehicle area, with the generator mounted separately. This segmentation enables larger wheel housings to be accommodated in the front area, improving wheel housing area and vehicle interior space, while the separated generator connection maintains efficient power transmission capability.
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 configuration enables reduced emissions, improved pedestrian protection, larger interior space, and reduced turning circles, while maintaining a quiet and vibration-free operation, allowing for a more spacious and efficient vehicle design.
Implementation Method 1
a reciprocating engine with two piston-cylinder units in a tandem arrangement... The exhaust system of the reciprocating engine should be arranged in one plane running centrally between the cylinders
Implementation Method 2
two generators, each of which is drive-connected to one of the crankshafts... The battery as an energy buffer enables the total energetic decoupling of the internal combustion engine from the vehicle drive
Implementation Method 3
a battery and at least one electric motor... The battery as an energy buffer enables the total energetic decoupling of the internal combustion engine from the vehicle drive
Implementation Method 4
at least one electric motor, the reciprocating engine, the generator and the electric motor that can be mechanically coupled to at least one drive wheel of the vehicle for Drive of the vehicle are connected in series
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a multi-track passenger motor vehicle, in particular a hybrid vehicle, comprising a generating set (20), which has at least one generator that can be driven by a reciprocating piston engine, a battery (25) and at least one electric motor (24). The reciprocating piston engine, the generator and the electric motor (24), which can be mechanically coupled to at least one driving wheel of the vehicle, are connected in series in order to drive the vehicle. The generating set (20), consisting of the reciprocating piston engine and the generator, has a depth extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and a width extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, the width being a maximum 750 mm, especially a maximum 700 mm, in particular a maximum 660 mm, in particular a maximum 640 mm, and the depth being a maximum 310 mm, especially a maximum 280 mm, in particular a maximum 260 mm, and in particular a maximum 250 mm.