Hybrid Coupling Device for Seamless Power Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Light utility vehicles face challenges in efficiently managing power sources for both short, repetitive trips and longer journeys, as electric vehicles are inefficient in 'stop-and-go' modes and internal combustion engines are not suitable for urban noise and pollution reduction.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device for a hybrid power plant that combines an internal combustion engine and an electric motor, allowing selection between electrical and internal-combustion-electrical modes via a primary shaft coupled to either drive shaft through transmission means, enabling optimal power usage based on trip type.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If an electric motor is used for light utility vehicles, then noise pollution is reduced and air pollution is reduced, but the vehicle cannot operate efficiently on longer trips due to limited autonomy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines an electric motor and an internal combustion engine into a single hybrid power plant that drives the same wheels. The electric motor handles short urban trips with zero emissions, while the internal combustion engine provides extended range for longer journeys, merging the advantages of both power sources into one unified system.
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid power plant is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate in electric-only mode for short trips, in hybrid mode for extended range, and can even charge the battery during operation. This multi-functionality allows the same vehicle to adapt to various trip types and operational requirements.
2Duration of action of moving object
If an internal combustion engine is used for longer trips, then autonomy is extended, but noise pollution and air pollution increase in urban areas
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between electric-only mode and hybrid mode based on trip requirements. For short urban trips, the vehicle operates in electric-only mode to eliminate emissions and noise. For longer trips or when battery charge is low, the system automatically transitions to hybrid mode, engaging the internal combustion engine to extend range while maintaining the ability to reduce pollution in urban zones.
3Use of energy by moving object
If an electric motor is used for stop-and-go trips, then energy consumption is reduced, but the vehicle lacks sufficient power for longer journeys
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses preliminary action by charging the battery during hybrid operation or at external charging stations before electric-only trips. The internal combustion engine can charge the battery during longer journeys, preparing energy reserves for subsequent electric-only urban trips, thereby optimizing energy consumption patterns across different trip types.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a hybrid power plant combining electric motor and internal combustion engine is used, then autonomy and versatility are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hybrid power plant is segmented into distinct functional modules: an electric motor subsystem, an internal combustion engine subsystem, a battery system, and a coupling device. Each module can be independently designed, maintained, and replaced. The coupling device itself is segmented into selectable transmission paths that can engage or disengage specific power sources based on operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device acts as an intermediary between the two power sources and the transmission system. It provides a neutral interface that can selectively connect either the electric motor or the internal combustion engine to the wheels, simplifying the overall system architecture by centralizing the switching logic in a dedicated coupling mechanism rather than requiring complex integrated control throughout the entire powertrain.
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling device for a hybrid power plant operates in at least two electrical/internal-combustion-electrical modes designed for a vehicle, whereby the coupling device includes a first drive shaft that is coupled to an electric motor and a second drive shaft that is coupled to an internal combustion engine. The coupling device includes at least one primary shaft that can be coupled by first or second transmission element to the first or the second drive shaft under the action of selection element that can assume a first position and a second position in such a way that: In the first position of the selection element, the primary shaft is coupled to the first or to the second drive shaft by the first or the second transmission element; and In the second position of the selection element, the primary shaft is coupled to the first drive shaft by the first transmission element.