Dual Engine Vehicle Powertrain for Fuel Economy and Acceleration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicles face challenges in achieving both fuel efficiency and quick acceleration due to the trade-off between engine down-sizing for fuel economy and power requirements for acceleration, with existing hybrid vehicles being expensive and having poor mechanical performance.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle system comprising a primary internal combustion engine for cruising, a secondary internal combustion engine for acceleration, and an electric motor-generator for supplemental power, with regenerative braking to recharge batteries, allowing for efficient power distribution and reduced engine size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the internal combustion engine is down-sized to improve fuel economy, then fuel efficiency is improved, but acceleration performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The powertrain is segmented into two distinct internal combustion engines: a primary down-sized engine optimized for fuel-efficient cruising operation, and a secondary engine providing additional power for acceleration and hill-climbing. This segmentation allows each engine to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between fuel efficiency and acceleration performance
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary internal combustion engine serves multiple functions: providing power assist during acceleration, enabling hill-climbing capability, and potentially serving as a generator for hybrid operation. This multi-functionality allows the down-sized primary engine to focus on fuel-efficient cruising while the secondary engine handles high-power demands
2Speed
If hybrid vehicles use electric motors to augment power, then acceleration performance is improved, but vehicle cost increases due to expensive batteries and electrical components
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces expensive, long-lived hybrid battery systems with a more cost-effective solution using a secondary internal combustion engine. While the secondary engine has its own operational lifespan considerations, this approach eliminates the need for costly battery packs, electric motors, and associated electrical components, significantly reducing vehicle manufacturing cost while maintaining acceleration performance
3Loss of energy
If hybrid vehicles use electric motors for power assist, then regenerative braking capability is improved, but acceleration and mechanical performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the advantages of down-sized engines (fuel efficiency) with the capabilities of a secondary engine (acceleration power) in a mechanically coupled dual-engine system. Both engines are connected to the transmission system, allowing direct mechanical power delivery for acceleration while the primary engine handles fuel-efficient cruising, eliminating the performance compromises of hybrid electric systems
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
This configuration enables substantial down-sizing of engines for improved fuel economy while maintaining acceptable acceleration and hill-climbing capabilities, reducing the cost of hybrid batteries and enhancing overall vehicle performance.
Implementation Method 1
a motor-generator, and a battery. The motor-generator is mechanically coupled to the output shaft of the torque converter
Implementation Method 2
a torque converter having an input shaft, a output shaft, and a pump driven by the engine
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle system has a pedal, a first internal combustion engine, a second internal combustion engine and an electric engine. The first internal combustion engine, the second internal combustion engine and the electric engine are respectively coupled with the pedal. The first internal combustion engine, the second internal combustion engine and the electric engine are operatively supplementary to one another.