Electrified Military Driveline Layout for Silent Propulsion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current military vehicles are unable to operate quietly, as internal combustion engines produce significant noise, which can be a disadvantage in stealth operations.
Innovation Solution
The military vehicle incorporates an electrified driveline with a combination of an internal combustion engine and a motor/generator, allowing for operation in various modes, including an ultrasilent mode where the engine is shut off, and the electric motor drives the vehicle, reducing noise output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If an internal combustion engine is used to power the military vehicle, then the vehicle can provide sufficient power and mobility, but the vehicle produces significant noise that compromises stealth operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the powertrain into separate functional components: an internal combustion engine for power generation, an electric motor for propulsion, and an energy storage system. This segmentation allows the engine to be isolated from the passenger compartment and enables selective operation of the electric motor for silent propulsion when stealth is required
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electric motor as an intermediary between the energy storage system and the drivetrain. This intermediary enables silent electric propulsion mode, allowing the vehicle to operate without engine noise when stealth operations are required, while still maintaining the capability for engine-powered operation when high power is needed
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the internal combustion engine is shut off to reduce noise, then the vehicle can operate quietly for stealth operations, but the vehicle loses the ability to provide sufficient power for mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional powertrain system that can operate in multiple modes: electric-only mode for silent operation, engine-only mode for high power requirements, and hybrid mode combining both. This universality allows the vehicle to adapt its power source based on operational requirements, maintaining both stealth capability and power availability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the powertrain by introducing variable operation modes. The electric motor can operate across a range of power levels for silent propulsion, while the engine can be engaged when higher power thresholds are required. This parameter-based control allows dynamic adjustment between noise reduction and power delivery
3Reliability
If the energy storage system is positioned away from the engine and outside the tunnel, then the system improves safety by isolating energy components, but the electrical wiring through the tunnel increases system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the energy storage system within the rear module structure, nesting it within the vehicle's modular architecture. The electrical wiring is routed through the existing tunnel structure that already exists for other vehicle systems. This nesting approach integrates the energy storage system into the vehicle's existing structural framework, reducing the need for additional complex routing while maintaining safety isolation
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 the vehicle to operate quietly, reducing its acoustic signature and thermal signature, enhancing its stealth capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The second driver is at least partially positioned within the tunnel and positioned between the first driver and the transmission. The second driver includes a motor.
Data Source
AI summary
A military vehicle includes a chassis, a front axle, a rear axle, an energy storage system, an engine, a transmission, and a motor. The chassis includes a passenger capsule, a front module coupled to a front end of the passenger capsule, and a rear module coupled to a rear end of the passenger capsule. The passenger capsule defines a tunnel extending longitudinally along a bottom thereof. The front module includes a front subframe assembly. The rear module includes a rear subframe assembly. The front axle is coupled to the front subframe assembly. The rear axle is coupled to the rear subframe assembly. The engine is supported by the front subframe assembly. The transmission is positioned within the tunnel and coupled to the front axle and/or the rear axle. The motor is at least partially positioned within the tunnel and positioned between the engine and the transmission.