Drive Unit Torque Converter Inversion for Reverse Gear
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric cars equipped with torque converters experience a significant degradation in torque amplification during reverse rotation, leading to reduced driving force in backward movement.
Innovation Solution
A drive unit configuration that includes a motor, a torque converter, and a power output part with a first and second gear train, allowing power to be output in opposite rotational directions without changing the motor's rotational direction, thereby maintaining torque amplification in both forward and backward movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the torque converter is rotated in reverse direction during backward movement, then the motor can drive the vehicle backward, but the torque amplification function significantly degrades
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of rotating the torque converter in reverse for backward movement, the invention inverts the approach by keeping the torque converter rotating in the forward direction while using a second gear train to reverse the output rotation direction. This allows the torque converter to maintain its torque amplification function while still enabling backward vehicle movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The power output part is segmented into two separate gear trains: a first gear train for forward movement and a second gear train for backward movement. This segmentation allows each gear train to be optimized for its specific function, with the second gear train specifically designed to reverse rotation while maintaining torque amplification through the torque converter.
2Ease of operation
If the motor rotational direction is changed for backward movement, then the vehicle can move backward, but the torque converter cannot exert torque amplification function
Solution Approach 1:
The invention inverts the conventional approach by not changing the motor's rotational direction for backward movement. Instead, it changes the output direction through the second gear train, thereby maintaining the torque converter's forward rotation and torque amplification function while achieving backward vehicle movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The second gear train acts as an intermediary between the torque converter and the drive wheels during backward movement. It receives power from the torque converter, reverses the rotation direction, and transmits it to the drive wheels, thereby enabling backward movement without affecting the torque converter's operation.
3Device complexity
If a single gear train is used for both forward and backward movement, then the device complexity is reduced, but the torque amplification cannot be maintained in backward movement
Solution Approach 1:
The power output part is divided into two separate gear trains with distinct functions: the first gear train handles forward movement while the second gear train handles backward movement. This segmentation enables each gear train to be optimized for its specific direction, ensuring torque amplification is maintained in both directions through proper configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
Both gear trains are designed to work with the same torque converter, allowing the torque converter to provide torque amplification for both forward and backward movements. The system achieves multi-functionality where a single torque converter serves both directional requirements through the dual gear train configuration.
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
Enables torque amplification in both forward and backward vehicle movements by ensuring the torque converter is forwardly rotated during backward movement, thus maintaining its amplifying function and preventing oil pump malfunction.
Implementation Method 1
a torque converter which is a component to which a power is inputted from the motor (2)
Implementation Method 2
The power output part includes a first gear train and a second gear train
Data Source
AI summary
A drive unit for driving a drive wheel is disclosed. The drive unit includes a motor, a torque converter and a power output part. The torque converter is a component to which a power is inputted from the motor. The power output part outputs the power, inputted thereto from the torque converter, to the drive wheel. The power output part includes a first gear train and a second gear train. The first gear train outputs the power, inputted to the power output part from the torque converter, in a first rotational direction. The second gear train outputs the power, inputted to the power output part from the torque converter, in a second rotational direction reverse to the first rotational direction.