Internal Combustion Engine Axial Motor Layout
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing internal combustion engines with speed change electric motors and drive mechanisms have a large distance between the crankshaft and output shaft due to the presence of the speed change electric motor and drive mechanism, leading to a larger engine size and increased number of components, which hampers size reduction.
Innovation Solution
The speed change electric motor and drive mechanism are positioned outside the power transmission control means, with the idle gear shaft integrated and coaxial large and small diameter gears, and the main and counter shafts arranged in parallel planes above and below the crankshaft and output shaft, respectively, to minimize space and optimize lubrication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the speed change electric motor and drive mechanism are positioned on the right side of the torque converter to avoid overlap, then the components can be arranged without interference, but the distance between the crankshaft and output shaft becomes large, increasing engine size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the speed change electric motor and drive mechanism from a lateral arrangement (right side of torque converter) to an axial arrangement (between torque converter and crankshaft). This dimensional change in component layout allows the output shaft to be positioned closer to the crankshaft, reducing engine size while avoiding component interference through proper spatial sequencing along the axial direction.
2Force
If two idle gear shafts are provided to enlarge the speed reduction ratio and earn torque, then the required torque can be achieved, but the number of component parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple idle gear shafts into a single idle gear shaft by optimizing the gear train configuration. The speed change electric motor provides enhanced torque multiplication capability, allowing the system to achieve the required torque with fewer mechanical components. The single idle gear shaft works in conjunction with the motor-driven gears to provide sufficient torque while reducing overall component count and simplifying the drive mechanism.
3Force
If a large diameter gear is provided to earn torque with only one idle gear shaft, then the torque can be achieved, but the output shaft must be set farther from the crankshaft, hampering size reduction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces part of the mechanical torque multiplication system (large diameter gears) with an electric motor-driven system. The speed change electric motor provides electronic control and torque multiplication through electromagnetic means, allowing for more compact gear dimensions. This substitution enables the use of smaller diameter gears while achieving the same torque output, which in turn allows the output shaft to be positioned closer to the crankshaft, reducing engine size.
Data Source
AI summary
An internal combustion engine including a transmission for transmitting power from a crankshaft to an output shaft through speed change, with the speed change in the transmission being performed by the driving of a speed change electric motor through a speed change drive mechanism, wherein power transmission control means for controlling the transmission of power from the crankshaft to the transmission is provided at one end of the crankshaft, and at least a part of the speed change electric motor and the speed change drive mechanism is disposed on the outside of the power transmission control means. This configuration of the internal combustion engine is reduced in size because of the layout of the speed change drive mechanism and the speed change electric motor.