Three-Speed EV Transmission Layout for Flexible Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric vehicle transmission systems face challenges such as increased width due to multiple gears or clutches on the output shaft, incompatibility with varying vehicle packaging demands, and degradation of components due to high input speeds.
Innovation Solution
A three-speed electric transmission system with a multi-range clutch and synchronizer, allowing for flexible output shaft configuration in either short or long drop arrangements, and an input speed reduction gear train to mitigate component degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple gears or clutches are positioned on the output shaft to achieve multiple gear ratios, then the transmission can provide multiple speed options, but the width of the transmission increases which poses barriers to integration in certain vehicle platforms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the multiple clutches from the output shaft to the input shaft, changing the spatial dimension where clutch components are located. This dimensional shift allows the transmission to maintain multiple gear ratio capabilities while reducing the width required at the output shaft location, enabling better integration in vehicle platforms with width constraints.
2Ease of manufacture
If certain transmission system layouts are designed for specific vehicle types, then they can meet the packaging demands of those vehicles, but they become incompatible with other vehicle applications that demand different configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal transmission layout where the input shaft with multiple clutches can serve multiple vehicle applications. By consolidating clutch components on the input shaft rather than distributing them on the output shaft, the transmission design achieves multi-functionality that allows it to adapt to different vehicle packaging requirements without requiring application-specific redesigns.
3Use of energy by moving object
If high input speeds are transmitted directly to the output to maintain efficiency, then power transfer efficiency is improved, but degradation occurs to internal components such as clutches and gears
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power transmission path by introducing multiple clutches on the input shaft that can selectively engage different gear ratios. This segmentation allows the system to manage high input speeds by routing them through appropriate gear reductions before reaching the output, thereby protecting internal components from excessive speed-related degradation while maintaining efficient power transfer through optimal gear selection.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are herein provided for a three-speed electric transmission system. In one example, a transmission system comprises a first electric motor coupled to an input speed reduction gear train, wherein the input speed reduction gear train rotationally couples to an input shaft; a second electric motor coupled to the input speed reduction gear train; a first clutch positioned on the input shaft; a second clutch positioned on the input shaft; a synchronizer positioned on a synchronizer shaft, wherein the synchronizer shaft is rotationally coupled to the input shaft; an idler shaft rotationally coupled to the synchronizer shaft; and an output shaft rotationally coupled to the idler shaft, wherein the output shaft is in one of a first position and a second position.