Hybrid Drive Coupling Layout for Compact Axial Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid drives for motor vehicles require increased installation space due to the need for gear mechanisms to couple different drive machines, leading to larger space requirements.
Innovation Solution
A drive device with an internal combustion engine connection and an electric motor generator, where the crankshaft is directly coupled to the internal combustion engine connection, and a coupling device allows selective coupling and decoupling of both connections to a power train connection, utilizing a compact geometric arrangement to minimize axial space, such as a dual clutch or torque converter with a gear wheel power transmission portion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If gear mechanisms are used to couple different drive machines, then the drive power can be transmitted between the internal combustion engine and electric motor generator, but the installation space requirement is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the coupling device (clutch or torque converter) with the power transmission function by integrating the gear wheel directly onto the drive shaft. This merging eliminates the need for separate gear mechanisms, allowing drive power transmission while maintaining compact installation space.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive shaft is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the rotation axis for the gear wheel and the connection element for the coupling device. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing installation space while maintaining power transmission capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a coupling device is added to selectively couple and decouple drive machines, then operating modes can be changed, but the device complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is merged with the drive shaft assembly, where the gear wheel is directly mounted on the drive shaft. This integration allows the coupling device to selectively engage and disengage power transmission between the internal combustion engine and electric motor generator, providing multiple operating modes without adding significant structural 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 achieves a compact design that reduces the axial installation space requirement, enabling efficient and comfortable vehicle operation while maintaining high drive power transmission efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor generator (2), which is designed for delivering drive power to an electric motor generator connection
Implementation Method 2
an internal combustion engine connection (12), which is designed for receiving drive power from an internal combustion engine
Implementation Method 3
a coupling device (3), which is designed for selectively coupling and decoupling both the internal combustion engine connection (12) and also the electric motor generator connection (13) to and from at least one power train connection (7, 8)
Data Source
AI summary
A drive device has an internal combustion engine connection configured for receiving driving power from an internal combustion engine and has an electric motor generator configured for outputting driving power to an electric motor generator connection. A coupling device is configured for coupling both the internal combustion engine connection and the electric motor generator connection to at least one power train connection that is configured for outputting driving power to a power train. The coupling device has a radially outer drive part and a coupling portion lying radially within the drive part, which coupling portion is configured for selectively connecting the drive part to the power train connection in a rotationally fixed manner. A power transmission portion is arranged on an outer circumferential surface on the radially outer drive part, which power transmission portion is configured for receiving driving power from the electric motor generator. Both the internal combustion engine connection and the electric motor generator connection are arranged concentrically to a main drive axis. The power transmission portion partially or fully covers the coupling portion in the longitudinal direction of the main drive axis. An electric motor axis, about which an electric motor shaft configured for outputting driving power from the electric motor generator is provided, which electric motor axis is arranged axially parallel to and radially spaced from the main drive axis.