Hybrid Drive Module Axle Torque Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
The driving behavior of vehicles with electric driven rear-axles becomes unpredictable due to front wheel driving in some situations and rear wheel driving in others, necessitating improvements for better predictability while maintaining ease of implementation.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid powertrain with a combustion engine connected to both the front and rear drive axles via a longitudinal drive shaft, incorporating a hybrid drive module with a transfer gear set and clutches, allowing for controlled torque distribution between the axles, and optionally including an electric motor and flywheel for enhanced energy management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If an electric driven rear-axle is provided in a front wheel drive vehicle, then the vehicle becomes a hybrid vehicle with easy implementation, but the driving behavior becomes unpredictable
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between front wheel drive and all-wheel drive modes based on driving conditions. The connection clutch in the transfer gear set enables the rear axle to be dynamically engaged or disengaged, allowing the vehicle to adapt its drive configuration rather than being fixed in one mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The rear axle assembly is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a structural support component and as a driven axle when needed. The transfer gear set and connection clutch enable the rear axle to function both as a non-driven support and as a powered drive axle, consolidating multiple functions into a single assembly.
2Volume of moving object
If the hybrid drive module and axle are arranged in a common housing, then packaging volume is reduced, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hybrid drive module and the rear axle are merged into a single common housing, integrating what could be separate assemblies into one unified structure. This consolidation reduces the overall packaging volume while the modular design of the clutch and gear set manages the structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer gear set and connection clutch are nested within the hybrid drive module, which itself is housed in the common housing with the rear axle. This nested arrangement allows multiple components to occupy overlapping or hierarchical spatial relationships, maximizing space utilization.
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
The solution provides predictable vehicle behavior, efficient energy utilization, and improved performance by enabling smooth power split between front and rear wheels, reducing energy losses, and optimizing packaging through a common housing for the hybrid drive module and axle.
Implementation Method 1
The longitudinal drive shaft is further provided with a second connection clutch and the first and the second connection clutch are hydraulically controlled
Implementation Method 2
the hybrid drive module comprises an electric motor, a flywheel and a planetary gear set, wherein the electric motor, the flywheel and the transfer gear set is connected over a planetary gear set
Implementation Method 3
the hybrid drive module comprises an electric motor, a flywheel and a planetary gear set
Implementation Method 4
The release clutch is preferably of friction clutch type. By connecting the flywheel to the sun gear over a release clutch it is possible to control the amount of torque transferred to and from the flywheel
Data Source
AI summary
A powertrain is provided with a combustion engine, a front drive axle, a longitudinal drive shaft, and a rear drive axle, whereby the combustion engine is connected to a front drive axle, the longitudinal drive shaft, and the rear drive axle, such that the combustion engine can be in drive connection with the front drive axle, the longitudinal drive shaft, and the rear drive axle. The rear drive axle is provided with a hybrid drive module that comprises at least one drive unit and a transfer gear set. The transfer gear set comprises an input, an output, and a first connection clutch provided operatively in between the input and the output, whereby the output of the transfer gear set is adapted to be in drive connection with the rear drive axle. The longitudinal drive shaft is provided with a second connection clutch and, the first connection clutch and the second connection clutch are hydraulically controlled and are connected to a same hydraulic circuit.