Dog Clutch Hybrid Transmission for Seamless Load Shifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid drive trains in vehicles face challenges in optimizing operating points, particularly when operating on routes with speed restrictions, due to the complexity of power flow management between internal combustion engines and electric machines, requiring more flexible and compact transmission designs that can efficiently switch between different power-split configurations without interrupting traction.
Innovation Solution
A transmission system with a claw switching element that allows for branching of power flow and seamless switching between different operating modes, utilizing a double sliding sleeve structure with a claw connector that can be moved along the axes of shafts to establish various torque and power connections, enabling efficient power distribution to multiple drive motors without the need for separate clutches or friction clutches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a hybrid drivetrain includes multiple electric motors and power-split configurations, then the design freedom and configuration options are increased, but the mechanical complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple clutch functions into a single dog-type clutch mechanism that can selectively connect different electric motors to the drivetrain. This single clutch integrates the functionality of multiple separate clutches, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining the ability to implement various power-split configurations and operating modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The dog-type clutch is designed as a universal coupling mechanism that can establish different torque flow paths by engaging with various splined shafts. This multi-functional clutch can operate in different configurations (series hybrid, parallel hybrid, power-split) without requiring separate dedicated clutches for each mode, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate clutches are used for each gear position, then gear selection is possible, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple clutch functions into a single dog-type clutch that can selectively engage different gear positions by connecting to various splined shafts. This single multi-functional clutch replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate clutches, reducing device complexity while maintaining full gear selection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The dog-type clutch employs a dynamic design where the coupling element can be positioned at different locations along the shaft to engage different gear positions. This dynamic positioning capability allows a single clutch mechanism to perform the function of multiple fixed-position clutches, reducing the number of components required.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to the design of a transmission for a hybrid drive or for a drivetrain equipped with various drive motors, preferably of different energy types. Such a hybrid drive enables the use of different drive energy sources. The various drive sources or drive motors are connected to each other via the transmission. The transmission, with its shift positions and shift variants, makes it possible to transmit torque directly or indirectly, or via a reduction, to the output road wheels, either alone or in combination with other drive motors. Advantageously, the transmission can also be shifted under load. Shift changes can even be performed under load.