Hybrid Vehicle Coupling Assembly for Smooth Clutch Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clutch arrangements in hybrid vehicles can result in premature closing of the positive-locking clutch before the friction clutch is fully closed, leading to unfavorable driving comfort due to gradual travel-dependent actuation.
Innovation Solution
A space-saving clutch arrangement with a friction clutch and a positive-locking clutch, both with independent actuating means, where the friction clutch can be controlled regardless of the form-locking clutch's position, allowing for smoother engagement of the positive-locking clutch, and featuring an electric machine with a rotor and stator that houses the clutches, enabling electromagnetic actuation and a radially staggered configuration for compact integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single common actuating means is used to actuate both the friction clutch and the positive-locking clutch in a travel-dependent manner, then the device complexity is reduced, but the driving comfort deteriorates due to premature closing of the positive-locking clutch before the friction clutch is fully closed
Solution Approach 1:
The common actuating means is segmented into two independent actuating means: one for the friction clutch and another for the positive-locking clutch. This allows each clutch to be actuated independently with optimized control strategies, eliminating the premature engagement issue while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design
2Volume of moving object
If the friction clutch and positive-locking clutch are arranged in a space-saving configuration, then the volume is reduced, but the ease of manufacture increases due to integrated housing
Solution Approach 1:
The friction clutch and positive-locking clutch are merged into a single housing structure with a common receiving space. This integration reduces the overall volume of the clutch arrangement and simplifies manufacturing by combining what would otherwise be separate assemblies into one unified component
3Ease of operation
If the clutches are actuated independently with separate actuating means, then the driving comfort is improved through smoother engagement, but the device complexity increases due to additional actuating components
Solution Approach 1:
The housing structure serves as an intermediary that integrates both actuating means and provides a coordinated receiving space for the clutches. This mediator structure enables independent actuation of each clutch while maintaining a unified, manageable system architecture that prevents excessive complexity
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 improves driving comfort by allowing precise control over clutch engagement, ensuring smoother transitions and maintaining frictional connection during positive-locking clutch engagement, thus enhancing the overall performance of hybrid vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of the actuating means or both actuating means can be designed for the electromagnetic actuation of one of the clutches. An electromagnet provided for this purpose can advantageously be designed as a ring magnet
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a coupling assembly (10) for a hybrid vehicle, which coupling assembly comprises an input shaft (12) and an output shaft (14) arranged coaxial to the input shaft and has a friction clutch (20) and an interlocking coupling (40), which are arranged functionally in parallel between the input shaft (12) and the output shaft (14). The friction clutch (20) has a friction unit (22) and the interlocking coupling (40) has an interlocking unit (42), which have dedicated actuating means (24, 44) and can be actuated independently of each other.