Hybrid Axle Transmission with Selectable Propulsion Modes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hybrid motorization systems for cargo and passenger vehicles are complex and costly, failing to meet power needs and being economically unviable due to the need for specific components and peripherals, which increase system complexity and cost.

Innovation Solution

A power transmission set for axles that allows for selectable working conditions, including fully electric, fully combustion, hybrid, or generator modes, using a selector unit and coupling/uncoupling devices to manage propulsion between combustion and electric motors, reducing complexity and cost.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If hybrid motorization systems are implemented in cargo and passenger vehicles, then fuel economy and emission reduction are improved, but system complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefuel economyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the combustion engine and electric motor into a single integrated power transmission set that shares common components such as the gearbox, clutch, and transmission housing. This merging approach enables hybrid functionality while reducing overall system complexity compared to separate engine systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The power transmission set is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate in combustion-only mode, electric-only mode, or hybrid mode, and can also function as a generator. The same physical components serve different purposes depending on the operating mode, reducing the need for dedicated components for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Loss of energy

If hybrid motorization systems are implemented in cargo and passenger vehicles, then fuel economy and emission reduction are improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefuel economyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the combustion engine and electric motor into a single integrated power transmission set that shares common components such as the gearbox, clutch, and transmission housing. This merging approach enables hybrid functionality while reducing overall system complexity compared to separate engine systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The power transmission set is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate in combustion-only mode, electric-only mode, or hybrid mode, and can also function as a generator. The same physical components serve different purposes depending on the operating mode, reducing the need for dedicated components for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If current hybrid systems are used in cargo vehicles, then some traction requirements are met, but power needs are not satisfied and system becomes economically unviable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraction requirementsVSAvoidpower need
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic power transmission system that can automatically or manually switch between different operating modes (combustion-only, electric-only, hybrid, generator mode) based on power demands and vehicle conditions. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to meet varying power needs of cargo vehicles efficiently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The power transmission set is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate in combustion-only mode, electric-only mode, or hybrid mode, and can also function as a generator. The same physical components serve different purposes depending on the operating mode, reducing the need for dedicated components for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables efficient fuel economy and reduced toxic gas emissions by allowing flexible motor operation, providing significant economic advantages and environmental benefits.

Implementation Method 1

an electric motor (ME), which can transform electrical energy into mechanical energy for vehicle propulsion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a combustion engine (MC), which can transform chemical energy from fuel into mechanical energy for vehicle propulsion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCombustion: Combustion

Implementation Method 3

a gearbox (G) coupled with an output connected to a cardan axle (e), which, in turn, is connected to a power transmission set (E) for moving the vehicle's (V) axles

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical transmission: Gear

Data Source

PatentEP3875296B1Power transmission unit for shafts and vehicles for carrying passengers and goods
Publication Date: 2025.07.02 IVECO SPA
  • EP3875296B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3875296B1 patent drawingFigure 3A
  • EP3875296B1 patent drawingFigure 3B~3C

AI summary

The present invention refers to a power transmission set for tractioned axles of vehicles applied, particularly in vehicles with hybrid motorization systems whose characteristics were designed and developed to provide effective control of working conditions, being fully electric, fully combustion, hybrid or even acting as an electric generator. More particularly, the present invention refers to a power transmission set which is comprised of a primary axle (10) and a secondary axle (12), which are interconnected by a selector unit (11) responsible for selecting and controlling the type of motor propulsion applied to the tread axle (R) of said vehicle (V), and, cooperatively with coupling/uncoupling devices (30, 40), it becomes possible to obtain a configuration in which only the combustion engine (MC) is responsible for propulsion; only the electric motor (ME) provides propulsion, in which both engines (MC, ME) work together to generate torque; or, also, the uncoupling of the traction of the tread axle (R) so as to feed the electric motor (ME) that becomes an electric power generator. The present invention also refers to a vehicle for the transport of cargo and passengers comprising the present power transmission set.