Hybrid Differential Driveline With Selective Torque Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle driveline systems lack a modular and efficient solution for selectively hybridizing and torque vectoring, requiring complex and space-consuming components that complicate design and manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle driveline system with a differential housing connected to an engine via a pinion and output shafts, featuring an electrical motor that can be selectively connected to the differential housing through a hollow shaft and reduction gearing, utilizing an actuator arrangement and disconnect clutch to achieve various torque transfer modes without intrusive modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an electrical motor is added to enable hybrid drive and torque vectoring, then new functionality and benefits are achieved, but the system becomes more complex and space-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The differential housing is designed as a hollow shaft that can receive and accommodate the electrical motor within its cavity. This nesting arrangement allows the motor to be integrated into the existing differential structure without requiring additional external space, thereby adding hybrid drive functionality while minimizing increase in system complexity and spatial requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The differential housing serves multiple functions: it acts as the structural housing for the differential mechanism, serves as a hollow shaft for torque transmission, and provides a cavity for accommodating the electrical motor. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall driveline system architecture
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex components are used to achieve selective torque transfer modes, then hybrid drive and torque vectoring are enabled, but the system requires more space and complex manufacturing
Solution Approach 1:
The disconnect clutch provides dynamic, selective engagement and disengagement between the outer gearing and inner gearing, allowing the system to switch between different torque transfer modes (hybrid drive, torque vectoring, conventional drive) as needed. This dynamic control mechanism enables versatile functionality without requiring permanently complex mechanical structures, thereby simplifying manufacturing while maintaining operational flexibility
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing driveline systems are modified to add electric motor functionality, then hybrid capabilities are achieved, but intrusive alterations and complex modifications are required
Solution Approach 1:
The driveline system is segmented into distinct functional modules: the conventional differential mechanism (outer gearing), the electrical motor assembly, and the inner gearing with hollow shaft. This modular segmentation allows the electric motor functionality to be added as a separate unit that integrates with existing components through standardized interfaces, minimizing intrusive alterations and simplifying manufacturing and assembly processes
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 solution enables a less complex and space-efficient system for hybrid drive and torque vectoring, allowing for modular implementation of electric motor functionality in existing driveline systems, enhancing customizability and simplifying manufacturing and mounting processes.
Implementation Method 1
By selectively transferring torque between the first reduction gearing and the differential housing different modes for controlling the torque provided by the electric motor can be achieved
Implementation Method 2
a disconnect clutch being configured to selectively connect the outer gearing of the differential housing to the inner gearing of the differential housing
Implementation Method 3
The shifting sleeve is configured to be actuated for connecting the electrical motor to said differential housing. The shifting sleeve is further configured to be actuated for connecting the electrical motor to said first reduction gearing
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A vehicle driveline system for a vehicle, said system comprising a differential (100) having a differential housing (106) connectable to an engine via a pinion (103), and two output shafts (111, 112) being connectable with respective wheel axles, and an electrical motor (180) being selectively connected to the differential housing (106). Said differential housing (106) extends into a hollow shaft (113) and the differential housing (106) comprises an outer gearing (104) configured to mesh with the pinion (103) and an inner gearing (107) being connected with the output shafts (111, 112). The vehicle driveline system further comprises a first reduction gearing (160) connected to the hollow shaft (113) and an actuator arrangement (190) arranged between the differential housing (106) and the first reduction gearing (160). The actuator arrangement is configured to selectively transfer torque in any of the following modes: i) a first drive mode in which the actuator arrangement (190) is configured to be actuated to allow for torque transfer from the electrical motor (180) to the differential housing (106) only via the hollow shaft (113). ii) a second drive mode in which the actuator arrangement (190) is configured to be actuated to allow for torque transfer from the electrical motor (180) to the hollow shaft (113) via the first reduction gearing (160).