Driveline Selective Coupling for Hybrid Drive Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle powertrains lack the ability to efficiently switch between two-wheel drive, four-wheel drive, and regenerative drive modes while effectively utilizing both engine and electric motor torque, leading to limited operational flexibility and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A driveline product with first and second inputs and outputs, along with a transfer coupling and selective couplings, allows for operation between two-wheel drive, four-wheel drive, and regenerative drive modes by selectively coupling prime movers to transmit torque to wheels, enabling flexible power distribution between engine and electric motor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional driveline with fixed coupling is used, then the structure is simple, but the adaptability to switch between two-wheel drive, four-wheel drive, and regenerative drive modes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic coupling mechanisms that allow the driveline to switch between different operational modes (two-wheel drive, four-wheel drive, regenerative drive) by selectively engaging or disengaging connections between the engine, electric motor, transmission, and driveline components. This enables the system to adapt its configuration based on driving conditions while maintaining a relatively compact structure through controlled dynamic reconfiguration rather than multiple complete driveline sets.
2Adaptability or versatility
If selective couplings are added to enable multiple drive modes, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs universal coupling mechanisms that serve multiple functions: they can connect the engine to the driveline, connect the electric motor to the driveline, and facilitate regenerative braking by reversing power flow. These multi-functional couplings reduce the need for separate dedicated connections for each drive mode, thereby improving adaptability while controlling the increase in complexity through component multi-use.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the driveline is designed for efficient torque transmission in conventional modes, then the power transmission efficiency is high, but the ability to utilize both engine and electric motor torque simultaneously is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a transfer case or differential unit as an intermediary mechanism that can simultaneously receive torque from both the engine and electric motor and distribute it to the driveline. This intermediary component enables efficient combination of power sources by providing proper torque splitting and synchronization, allowing the system to operate in parallel hybrid mode where both prime movers contribute to wheel torque while maintaining high energy utilization efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A driveline product including first and second inputs having input rotational axes, first and second outputs having output rotational axes, a transfer coupling between at least one of the input rotational axes and at least one of the output rotational axes, and at least two selective couplings operatively coupled between the inputs and the outputs for operation selective between at least two drives powered by at least one of two prime movers.