Hybrid Engine Assist Clutch for Multi-Mode Auxiliary Power
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid vehicles face challenges in efficiently distributing power from an engine and an electric source to address power consumption by auxiliary equipment, which is not with a change in speed of the engine and an electric power source, requiring systems that are not with a change in load requirement, with existing systems being oversized and complex.
Innovation Solution
A controlled engine assist system with a clutch and auxiliary drive unit, allowing selective power distribution between the engine and electric source, using a belt and pulley or gear arrangement, and a controller to switch between engine start, auxiliary drive, charging, and power boost modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If oversized mechanical drives are used to cater to higher load requirements, then power distribution capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments power distribution into multiple modes (engine start mode, charging mode, auxiliary drive mode, power boost mode) with a clutch mechanism that selectively engages different power sources. This allows the system to handle varying load requirements without requiring oversized mechanical drives for all scenarios simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch mechanism dynamically switches between engaged and disengaged configurations based on operating conditions, allowing the system to adapt power distribution in real-time. This dynamic switching enables compact design while maintaining versatility across different power distribution scenarios.
2Adaptability or versatility
If elaborate systems are implemented to address varying power consumption, then power distribution flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch mechanism serves multiple functions: it engages the auxiliary drive unit for engine starting, enables charging mode by connecting the battery, supports auxiliary drive mode, and provides power boost capability. This multi-functionality achieves power distribution flexibility without requiring separate elaborate systems for each function.
3Volume of moving object
If a compact system is designed for hybrid vehicles, then device size is reduced, but power distribution capability may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch mechanism is integrated within the existing hybrid vehicle powertrain architecture, nesting the power distribution control function within the engine-auxiliary drive unit-battery system. This nested integration achieves compact system size while maintaining full power distribution capability across all required modes.
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
Facilitates efficient power distribution and multi-mode operation, enabling seamless power transmission and reversing radiator cooling fan direction without engine downtime.
Implementation Method 1
A clutch is selectively configured between an engaged configuration and a disengaged configuration
Implementation Method 2
The clutch is coupled to the auxiliary drive unit by at least one of a power transmission arrangement selected from the group consisting of a belt and pulley arrangement and a gear arrangement
Data Source
AI summary
A controlled engine assist system for a hybrid vehicle having an internal combustion engine, a battery, and a plurality of auxiliary components. The controlled engine assist system has an input shaft and an output shaft which are selectively configured to be in an engaged configuration and a disengaged configuration by a clutch. The input shaft and an output shaft transmit power from an auxiliary drive unit, an internal combustion engine or from both. The clutch selectively engages the input shaft and the output shaft based on inputs provided by a controller, corresponding to a plurality of predefined mode.