CVT Spherical Power Adjusters for Electric Vehicle Drivetrain Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicles often have inferior performance and range compared to gasoline-powered vehicles due to their fixed-gear transmission configurations, which limit acceleration and maximum speed, and are not optimized for real-world driving conditions.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with spherical power adjusters having a tiltable axis of rotation, controlled by a microcomputer and actuator system that adjusts the transmission ratio based on user inputs and desired performance or efficiency modes, allowing for seamless speed ratio changes and optimal operation of the drive motor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed-gear transmission configuration is used in electric vehicles, then the device complexity is reduced, but the performance and range are inferior compared to gasoline-powered vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a continuously variable transmission (CVT) system that dynamically adjusts the transmission ratio based on driving conditions, replacing the static fixed-gear configuration. The CVT mechanism with spherical power adjusters and tiltable axes enables continuous variation of the transmission ratio, allowing the electric vehicle to optimize performance and range across different operating conditions while maintaining manageable complexity through automated control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a continuously variable transmission (CVT) is integrated to improve performance and range, then the adaptability to real-world driving conditions is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The CVT system incorporates automated control mechanisms that self-adjust the transmission ratio based on sensor inputs regarding driving conditions, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The microcomputer-controlled actuator system automatically manages the spherical power adjusters, allowing the transmission to adapt to real-world conditions while keeping the operation simple for the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback control where sensors monitor driving conditions and provide data to the microcomputer, which then adjusts the CVT ratio accordingly. This closed-loop control enables the transmission system to continuously optimize performance based on actual driving conditions, enhancing adaptability while managing complexity through intelligent control algorithms.
3Productivity
If the spherical power adjusters with tiltable axes are used for continuous ratio adjustment, then the productivity and efficiency of the drivetrain are improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes spherical power adjusters with tiltable axes, employing spherical geometry to achieve continuous ratio adjustment. The spherical shape allows for smooth, continuous variation of the transmission ratio through rotation and tilting movements, enhancing drivetrain efficiency while the geometric properties of spheres facilitate relatively straightforward manufacturing compared to more complex mechanical linkages.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods of controlling a prime mover and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) are described. The CVT has a group of spherical power adjusters. Each power adjuster has a tiltable axis of rotation. The methods may include optimizing a vehicle having a drive motor and a continuously variable transmission. The CVT has a plurality of spherical power adjusters, each power adjuster having a tiltable axis of rotation. The methods may include optimizing a drive system having a prime mover and a continuously variable transmission.