Continuous Torque Transmission With Planetary Gear Power Blending
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional hybrid power transmission systems in vehicles suffer from inefficiencies and energy losses when switching between mechanical and electrical power sources, leading to interruptions and increased wear and tear.
Innovation Solution
A Continuous Torque Transmission (CTT) system utilizing a first planetary gear assembly, multiple electric motor-generators, and a control module to smoothly blend mechanical and electrical power sources, maintaining consistent power output and reducing energy losses through mode switching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If switching between mechanical and electrical power sources is implemented in traditional hybrid systems, then power source flexibility is improved, but power delivery continuity deteriorates due to interruptions and inefficiencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a continuous torque transmission mechanism where the planetary gear assembly maintains constant mechanical power flow from the input shaft through the planet gears to the output shaft, while electrical motor-generators are integrated to provide supplemental torque without interrupting the mechanical power stream. This ensures continuous useful action by preventing any interruption in power delivery during mode transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The planetary gear assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism that couples the mechanical power source (input shaft) with the electrical motor-generators. The gear assembly mediates between the continuous mechanical power flow and the electrical power contributions, allowing seamless blending of power sources without interruption to the output shaft's rotational continuity.
2Power
If multiple electric motor-generators are integrated with planetary gear assembly, then torque delivery optimization is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each electric motor-generator is designed to perform multiple functions: providing supplemental torque during acceleration, acting as a generator during deceleration to recover energy, and maintaining system balance during transitions. The planetary gear assembly itself serves multiple functions including torque multiplication, speed reduction, and mechanical coupling between power sources. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby managing complexity while achieving torque optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the mechanical power transmission function with electrical power generation and motor functions into a single integrated system. The planetary gear assembly is combined with multiple motor-generators that share common mounting structures, control systems, and housing, reducing overall system complexity compared to separate mechanical and electrical systems. The control module consolidates management of all motor-generators and gear assembly operations into a single control unit.
3Loss of energy
If mode switching between acceleration and deceleration is implemented, then energy efficiency is improved, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control module implements continuous feedback monitoring of system parameters including rotational speed, torque demand, power source availability, and energy storage state. Based on this feedback, the controller automatically determines optimal mode transitions between acceleration and deceleration operations, selecting which motor-generators should motor or generate at any given moment. This feedback-driven approach optimizes energy efficiency by capturing regenerative braking energy and managing power flow dynamically without requiring complex manual control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs self-service control where the control module autonomously manages mode transitions and power flow distribution without external intervention. The controller automatically identifies when deceleration conditions exist and switches appropriate motor-generators to generating mode, directing the generated energy to storage or other power sources. This self-managing capability achieves energy optimization while keeping the control architecture relatively simple and robust.
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 CTT system enables seamless integration of mechanical and electrical power, optimizing torque delivery and maintaining consistent power output without interruptions, thereby enhancing system efficiency and performance.
Implementation Method 1
a first electric motor-generator (106) that may include a first stator (106A) attached to the set of first planet gears (104C) and a first rotor (106B) electromagnetically coupled with the first stator (106A)
Implementation Method 2
a rectifier configured to receive alternating current (AC) and convert into direct current (DC)
Data Source
AI summary
A Continuous Torque Transmission (CTT) system that includes a first planetary gear assembly, a first electric motor-generator, a control module, a second electric motor-generator, and a third electric motor-generator. The first electric motor-generator includes a first stator and a first rotor. The second electric motor-generator includes a second stator and a second rotor, and the third electric motor-generator includes a third stator and a third rotor. A rectifier is electrically coupled to a control module and is configured to receive alternating current (AC) and convert it into direct current (DC). The control module may configure the CTT system in an acceleration mode or a deceleration mode, via a mode switch. In the acceleration mode, the first stator acts as a generator. In the deceleration mode, the third stator acts as a generator.