Dual Torque Converter Drive Unit for Hybrid Power Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid vehicles require a clutch to synchronize and control the power transmission between engine and electric motor, which complicates the drive unit and increases rotational loss and heat generation.
Innovation Solution
The drive unit employs two torque converters with a one-way clutch-like function, eliminating the need for a clutch by coupling turbines and reducing rotational resistance, allowing for simplified control and reduced heat generation by using the torque converters' characteristics to match with each drive source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a clutch is installed between the engine and electric motor to synchronize rotational speed and control power transmission, then the drive unit can switch between drive sources, but the device complexity increases and rotational loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the clutch component from the drive unit by exploiting the inherent one-way clutch-like function of the torque converter. The turbine's blade geometry naturally prevents reverse torque transmission, eliminating the need for a separate clutch mechanism while maintaining drive source switching capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The torque converter is given a dual function: it continues to provide its traditional torque multiplication function while simultaneously serving as a one-way clutch to enable drive source switching. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a dedicated clutch component.
2Loss of energy
If a clutch is installed to block torque transmission between drive sources, then rotational loss from stopped drive sources can be reduced, but heat generation increases due to clutch operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the normally harmful reverse torque transmission (which causes rotational loss) into a beneficial feature by designing the turbine blades to naturally block reverse torque. The stopped drive source's rotational loss is minimized because the turbine's geometry passively prevents torque backflow without generating heat through active clutch engagement.
3Power
If torque converters are configured with standard turbine blades designed to receive hydraulic oil flow, then torque transmission from impeller to turbine is efficient, but torque transmission from turbine to impeller is substantially impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent exploits the asymmetric blade geometry of the turbine, which is inherently designed to efficiently receive hydraulic oil flow from the impeller but cannot effectively generate reverse flow. This asymmetry is leveraged to create a passive one-way clutch function, allowing efficient forward torque transmission while blocking reverse torque transmission.
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 simplifies control for switching drive sources, reduces rotational loss, and inhibits heat generation in the electric motor by utilizing the torque converters' characteristics, enabling efficient torque transmission and maximum performance from each drive source.
Implementation Method 1
the torque is firstly transmitted from the impeller to hydraulic oil and is then transmitted therefrom to the turbine
Implementation Method 2
when rotation is inputted to the turbine and a torque is transmitted from the turbine to the impeller, the torque is firstly transmitted from the turbine to the hydraulic oil
Data Source
AI summary
A drive unit is disclosed. The drive unit includes a first drive source, a first torque converter, a second drive source, a second torque converter, and a transmission. A torque is inputted from the first drive source to the first torque converter. The first torque converter includes a first turbine. A torque is inputted from the second drive source to the second torque converter. The second torque converter includes a second turbine. The second turbine is coupled to the first turbine. The transmission is disposed between a drive wheel and both the first and second torque converters.