Hybrid Drive Chain Transmission for Electric Machine Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid vehicles face challenges in connecting the electric machine to the gearbox, leading to disruptions in inertia and drag, incomplete acceleration continuity, and inefficient energy exchange, particularly during gear changes and varying driving conditions.
Innovation Solution
A power transmission path between the electric machine and the secondary shaft using a chain connecting the coupling shaft to the secondary shaft, driven by a pinion, allowing for two ratios and a neutral position, enabling efficient energy exchange and torque supply across different driving conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the electric machine is connected to the primary shaft, then the electric machine benefits from the reduction ratios of the gearbox, but it disturbs the inertia and the equivalent drag of the primary shaft
Solution Approach 1:
A coupling shaft is introduced as an intermediary element between the electric machine and the secondary shaft. This coupling shaft carries its own pinion that meshes with the secondary shaft's crown gear, creating a separate power transmission path that avoids direct connection to the primary shaft and its synchronization mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the electric machine is permanently linked to the wheels, then it can permanently restore or exchange energy, but it requires a high gear ratio for low speed torque and a lower gear ratio for high speed operation
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling shaft is designed with multiple pinions that can engage with different gear ratios on the secondary shaft. This allows the electric machine to universally serve multiple functions: providing high torque at low speeds through high gear ratios, efficient cruising at moderate speeds through medium gear ratios, and energy regeneration at high speeds through low gear ratios, all without requiring separate transmission systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects different gear ratios based on operating conditions. The coupling shaft can engage different pinions with the secondary shaft depending on whether the vehicle is accelerating, cruising, or regenerating energy, allowing the transmission system to adapt its characteristics to the specific operational phase.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a dedicated connection with the secondary shaft is used for the electric machine, then energy exchange is possible, but the mechanism for connecting the electric machine with the wheel requires two ratios and a neutral position
Solution Approach 1:
The electric machine's connection mechanism is merged with the existing secondary shaft structure. The coupling shaft's pinion meshes directly with the secondary shaft's crown gear, combining the electric machine's power transmission needs with the existing gearbox architecture. This integration reduces the need for completely separate connection mechanisms while still providing the required two ratios and neutral position 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
This configuration enhances the electric machine's ability to provide continuous acceleration and energy exchange, optimizing torque supply and reducing losses, thereby improving shifting performance and energy efficiency across various driving modes.
Implementation Method 1
the power transmission path between the electric machine and the secondary shaft passes through a chain connecting the coupling shaft to the secondary shaft
Data Source
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AI summary
Hybrid traction device (1) for motor vehicle, comprising a parallel shaft gearbox, which includes a primary shaft (12), transmitting the power from a drive internal combustion engine to a secondary shaft (13) connected to the wheels of the vehicle, and an electric machine (20) which transmits its power to the same secondary shaft (13) of the gearbox as the internal combustion engine via a coupling shaft (40), the electric machine (20) driving an intermediate shaft (30) carrying two fixed gears (31, 32), meshing with two gears (41, 42) of the coupling shaft (40) dedicated to the electric machine (20), and the power transmission path between the electric machine (20) and the secondary shaft (13) passing through a chain (62) connecting the coupling shaft (40) to the secondary shaft (13).