Modular EV Transmission Actuation for Hydraulic Clutch Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicles face a design challenge in providing pressurized fluid to automatic transmissions without a torque converter, which is typically driven by a flywheel, leading to a loss of operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A modular actuation system with a first and second pump, coupled with compliant elements and actuators, is integrated into the transmission housing to generate pressurized fluid for engaging clutch packs and establishing gear ratios, replacing the need for a torque converter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a torque converter driven by a flywheel is used to pressurize hydraulic fluid, then the automatic transmission can be operated, but the operational efficiency of the electric motor is reduced and the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the torque converter and flywheel from the electric vehicle transmission system. Instead of using a torque converter driven by a flywheel, the invention directly integrates a hydraulic pump into the transmission housing, eliminating unnecessary components and improving motor efficiency while maintaining transmission functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission housing is designed to serve multiple functions: it houses the geartrain, supports the clutch packs, and directly mounts the hydraulic pump. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate torque converter and flywheel components, reducing complexity while maintaining the ability to pressurize hydraulic fluid for clutch engagement.
2Reliability
If a torque converter is used to pressurize hydraulic fluid, then the clutch packs can be engaged, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of the torque converter, flywheel, and hydraulic pump into a single integrated system. The pump is directly mounted to the transmission housing and receives input directly from the electric motor, merging multiple components into one streamlined architecture that reduces complexity while maintaining clutch engagement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and removes the torque converter and flywheel components from the system. By eliminating these unnecessary components for electric vehicle applications, the design simplifies the overall structure while still providing the required hydraulic pressure for clutch operation through a directly mounted pump.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a flywheel is removed to increase operational efficiency, then the operational efficiency improves, but the source of pressurized fluid for the transmission disappears
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a hydraulic pump as an intermediary component that directly receives mechanical input from the electric motor through the transmission housing. This pump serves as the mediator that converts motor rotation into hydraulic pressure, eliminating the need for a flywheel while ensuring reliable pressurized fluid supply for clutch engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical flywheel-torque converter system with a directly driven hydraulic pump system. This substitution eliminates the intermediate mechanical energy storage and conversion components, improving operational efficiency while maintaining the essential function of providing pressurized hydraulic fluid for transmission operation.
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 solution enables efficient operation of automatic transmissions in electric vehicles by providing pressurized fluid for gear engagement, enhancing operational efficiency and eliminating the need for a flywheel and torque converter.
Implementation Method 1
a pump is used to pressurize and direct hydraulic fluid
Implementation Method 2
A first plurality of compliant elements coupled with the first energizer member
Data Source
AI summary
An electric vehicle transmission includes a housing, a first gear, a second gear, and a first clutch pack supported in the housing. A first actuator is arranged in the housing. The first actuator is coupled with a first actuator member. A second actuator is arranged in the housing. The second actuator is coupled with a second actuator member. A modular actuation system is mounted to the housing. The modular actuation system includes a first energizer member and a second energizer member. The first energizer member is operatively connected to the first actuator and is operable to engage the first gear and the second energizer member is operatively connected to the second actuator and is operable to engage the second gear.