Hybrid Propulsion Gearset Coupling for Independent Drive Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endothermic/electric hybrid propulsion systems for vehicles face limitations in efficiency, complexity, and cost, with reduced torque delivery and inability to uncouple the electric machine from the internal combustion engine, restricting versatility and independent driving.
Innovation Solution
An endothermic/electric hybrid propulsion system with a first electric propulsion unit coupled to the transmission shaft and a second hybrid propulsion unit featuring an internal combustion engine and a second electric machine, allowing selective coupling and uncoupling via a coupling member, and a transmission device with multiple gearsets and selector members for torque management in various modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the electric machine is directly coupled to the internal combustion engine, then the system achieves a compact structure, but the deliverable torque is reduced and the electric machine cannot be uncoupled from the internal combustion engine
Solution Approach 1:
The propulsion system is divided into two independent units: a first electric propulsion unit and a second hybrid propulsion unit. This segmentation allows each unit to operate independently and be selectively coupled or uncoupled, resolving the contradiction between compact structure and torque delivery capability.
Solution Approach 2:
A coupling member is introduced as an intermediary between the two propulsion units, enabling selective engagement and disengagement. This intermediary component allows the system to achieve both compact structure when coupled and full torque delivery when uncoupled, as the coupling member can be selectively positioned to connect or disconnect the units.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the electric machine is uncoupled from the internal combustion engine, then the electric machine can operate independently, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling member is designed to perform multiple functions: it can couple the two propulsion units together, uncouple them for independent operation, and selectively engage different gearsets. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function, thereby managing system complexity while enabling independent driving capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic coupling and uncoupling mechanisms that allow the propulsion units to be selectively connected or disconnected based on operating conditions. This dynamic adaptability enables independent driving when needed while maintaining a manageable structure through selective engagement rather than permanent complex connections.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple gearsets and selector members are added for torque management, then the system achieves versatile operating modes, but the construction complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple gearsets (first, second, and third gearsets with different ratios) are merged into a single transmission structure that can be selectively engaged. The coupling member integrates the functionality of multiple gear selection mechanisms, allowing the system to achieve versatile operating modes through a unified rather than separate multi-component approach.
4Force
If a larger electric machine is used to provide sufficient torque, then the torque delivery is improved, but the system cost and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using one large electric machine, the system employs two electric machines of potentially smaller individual size. The first electric propulsion unit and second hybrid propulsion unit each have their own electric machines that can operate partially or fully depending on conditions, providing sufficient total torque without requiring each machine to be oversized.
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 configuration enhances versatility, reduces construction complexity, and optimizes traction efficiency while allowing independent driving, reducing the size and cost of the electric machine, and enabling optimal operation of both power sources.
Implementation Method 1
a first electric machine coupled to a transmission shaft
Implementation Method 2
at least one internal combustion engine
Implementation Method 3
at least a second electric machine, which can be selectively coupled to the output shaft
Data Source
AI summary
An endothermic/electric hybrid propulsion system for a vehicle comprises a first propulsion unit, of the electrical type, provided with at least a first electric machine (EM1) coupled to a transmission shaft, a second propulsion unit, of the hybrid type, provided with an output shaft and comprising at least one internal combustion engine (ICE) and at least one second electric machine (EM2) which can be selectively coupled together to provide torque to the output shaft in an independent or combined manner and a coupling member operatively interposed between the output shaft of the second propulsion unit and the transmission shaft of the first propulsion unit.