Dual-Motor Power Transmission with Clutched Torque Boost
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current electric motors in consumer vehicles lack sufficient torque to power large commercial vehicles, requiring larger and heavier motors that increase energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A multiple electric motor system with a first motor always connected to the output drive shaft and a second motor with an intermittent connection, using a clutch to engage and disengage, allowing for adjustable torque and power distribution through gear trains and different motor types to optimize torque and speed for heavy-duty applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If larger and heavier electric motors are used to produce sufficient torque for large commercial vehicles, then torque output is improved, but weight and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power transmission system into multiple motor units (first motor unit with first motor, second motor unit with second motor) that can operate independently or in combination. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high torque output through coordinated operation of multiple smaller motors rather than relying on a single large motor, thereby reducing overall weight while maintaining sufficient torque for commercial vehicles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the output of multiple motor units through a common output shaft and transmission system. The first motor unit and second motor unit can merge their torque outputs to provide sufficient total torque for heavy-duty applications, while each individual motor unit remains compact and lightweight compared to a single equivalent-sized motor.
2Force
If larger and heavier electric motors are used to produce sufficient torque for large commercial vehicles, then torque output is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power delivery function across multiple motor units, each optimized for specific operating conditions. The control system can selectively engage only the motor units needed for current load requirements, avoiding the continuous energy consumption that would result from operating a single large motor at partial load, thereby improving overall energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic control system that adjusts the operation of multiple motor units based on real-time vehicle conditions, load requirements, and efficiency considerations. This dynamic allocation allows the system to optimize energy consumption by engaging only the necessary motor capacity at any given moment, rather than continuously powering a single oversized motor.
3Force
If a multiple motor system with intermittent connection and clutch is used, then torque and power distribution is optimized for heavy-duty applications, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the multiple motor units with common components (shared output shaft, integrated transmission system, unified control architecture) that perform multiple functions. The clutch mechanism serves both to engage/disengage motor units and to manage torque distribution, while the control system handles both individual motor control and coordinated operation, reducing overall system complexity despite the multi-motor configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
An electric powertrain includes a first electric motor that has an uninterrupted connection with a drive shaft of a vehicle. The electric powertrain further includes a second electric motor that has an interruptible connection with the drive shaft. In one form, this interruptible connection includes a clutch. The electric powertrain further includes a first gear train in the form of a first planetary gear and a second gear train in the form of a second planetary gear. In one form, the first electric motor and second electric motor are the same type of electric motor, and in another form, the first electric motor and second electric motor are different types of electric motors.