Electric Vehicle Transmission With Differentiated Electric Machines

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current electric vehicle transmissions with multiple gear ratios are costly and require variations in torque compensation, which existing technologies fail to address effectively.

Innovation Solution

A transmission device with at least two electric machines of different technical characteristics, where one machine handles primary propulsion and the other provides additional torque during acceleration or torque compensation, using a system of gears and coupling mechanisms to select transmission ratios and prevent torque transmission when necessary.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If two identical electric machines are used to compensate for torque variations during gear changes, then torque continuity is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque continuityVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by assigning different roles and specifications to the two electric machines. The first electric machine is designed with high performance characteristics to provide continuous torque, while the second electric machine has reduced specifications and lower cost. This differentiated approach allows torque compensation during gear changes without requiring both machines to be identical, thereby reducing overall system cost while maintaining torque continuity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of manufacture

If a second electric machine with degraded characteristics is used to reduce costs, then cost decreases, but torque delivery capability worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecostVSAvoidtorque delivery
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having the second electric machine pre-loaded and ready to activate before gear changes occur. The control system detects upcoming gear changes and activates the second electric machine in advance to compensate for torque variations. This timing strategy ensures that even though the second machine has degraded characteristics, it can still effectively compensate for torque drops by being activated at the precise moment needed, maintaining overall torque delivery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple gears with coupling means are added to select transmission ratios, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission ratio selectionVSAvoidgear system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the transmission system into distinct gear modules (first gear, second gear, third gear), each with its own coupling means. This modular segmentation allows independent control and selection of different transmission ratios. Each gear module can be engaged or disengaged independently through its coupling means, providing adaptable transmission ratio selection while keeping the overall system manageable through modular architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3581416B1Transmission device, particularly for electric vehicle
Publication Date: 2021.03.31 VALEO EMBRAYAGES SAS
  • EP3581416B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3581416B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3581416B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a transmission device (T) with at least two transmission ratios, in particular for electric vehicle, the transmission device (T) comprising: - a first electric machine (M1) connected to a primary shaft (1), - a second electric machine (M2) connected to a secondary shaft (2), - a tertiary shaft (3) connected to the primary shaft (1) and to the secondary shaft (2) via gears (10, 20, 30) corresponding to said transmission ratios, characterized in that the first electric machine (M1) has different technical characteristics from the second electric machine (M2).