Hybrid Drive System Electric Machine Integration Vibration Damping

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drive systems for motor vehicles lack a modular structure that allows for the efficient integration of an electric machine, which is essential for hybrid drive trains and retrofitting, while also minimizing vibrations and ensuring continuous power supply.

Innovation Solution

A drive system design that includes an electric machine between the flywheel element and the multiple clutch device, with the rotor coupled to the drive motor, allowing operation as both a motor and generator, and featuring a modular structure with the electric machine decoupled from drive-side vibrations, and arranged radially outside the damper within an intermediate housing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an electric machine is integrated into the drive train, then hybrid drive functionality is enabled, but the structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehybrid drive functionalityVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electric machine is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate as a motor to assist the combustion engine, as a generator to provide electrical power, and its rotor serves as a flywheel for vibration damping. This multi-functionality enables hybrid drive capabilities without proportionally increasing structural complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The electric machine is positioned within the existing drive train structure, with its rotor nested between the flywheel element and the multiple clutch device. The stator is mounted on the transmission input shaft, effectively nesting the electric machine within the existing transmission housing space

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Use of energy by moving object

If the electric machine is coupled directly to the drive motor, then continuous power generation is enabled, but the system becomes more sensitive to vibrations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous power generationVSAvoidvibration sensitivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The damper is introduced as an intermediary element between the flywheel element and the electric machine rotor. This damper absorbs and isolates vibrations from the combustion engine, protecting the electric machine from excessive vibration while maintaining the direct coupling needed for continuous power generation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If a modular structure is implemented, then retrofitting becomes easier, but the connection requirements between components become more stringent

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveretrofitting capabilityVSAvoidconnection requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The drive train is segmented into modular components: the electric machine assembly can be independently installed between the flywheel element and the multiple clutch device, and the intermediate housing can be separately manufactured and assembled. This segmentation enables retrofitting while managing connection requirements through standardized interfaces

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables all modes of hybrid drive train operation, supports transmission shifting, provides continuous on-board power, and allows for stop-start functionality, while reducing vibrations and enabling simple modular design and retrofitting.

Implementation Method 1

the electrical machine being decoupled from the vibrations of the drive motor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration damping: Damping

Implementation Method 2

the rotor of the electrical machine being coupled to the drive motor in such a way that the rotor always rotates at the speed of the drive motor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

Motorized operation of the electric machine is also conceivable, for example to support the shifting processes in the automatic transmission or to influence the speed of the drive motor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentEP3515739B1Drive system for motor vehicles
Publication Date: 2021.06.16 VOITH PATENT GMBH
  • EP3515739B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3515739B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

The invention relates to a drive system (1), particularly for a motor vehicle, comprising a drive motor (2) having a crankshaft (3), a flywheel element (4) arranged on the crankshaft (3), a damper (5), which is directly or indirectly coupled on the primary side to the flywheel element (4), a transmission assembly (6) having a transmission input shaft (7), which has a hollow shaft region (25), and a transmission output shaft (8), wherein the transmission input device (7) is coupled to the secondary side of the damper (5) and a multiple clutch device (9) is arranged between the transmission input shaft (7) and the transmission output shaft (8). According to the invention, an electrical machine (11) is provided between the flywheel element (4) and the multiple clutch device (9).