Hybrid Drive System Planetary Gear Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional clutch mechanisms in hybrid vehicle drive systems lead to increased fuel consumption, wear, and space occupancy, along with friction losses, especially during starting and shifting processes.
Innovation Solution
A drive system with a second locking mechanism that disconnects the combustion engine before it reaches idling speed, allowing for braking with full electrical machine torque and enabling the combustion engine to be decoupled, thereby reducing fuel consumption and allowing for electric-only starting from standstill.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional clutch mechanism is used to disconnect the combustion engine during shifting, then the gearbox can shift gears, but the clutch mechanism experiences heating, increased fuel consumption, and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the disconnect function from the conventional clutch mechanism and implements it through the planetary gear system's locking mechanism. The planetary gear can lock the combustion engine output shaft to the gearbox input shaft, eliminating the need for clutch engagement during gear shifts, thereby removing the source of energy loss and wear while maintaining gear shifting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the friction-based mechanical clutch system with a mechanical locking system using planetary gears. This substitution eliminates friction losses and wear associated with clutch discs while achieving the same functional goal of disconnecting the combustion engine from the gearbox during gear shifts.
2Ease of operation
If a conventional clutch mechanism is used, then the combustion engine can be disconnected during starting, but large energy losses occur especially when the vehicle is started
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the clutch mechanism entirely and uses the planetary gear locking system to achieve engine disconnection during starting. This allows the vehicle to be started electrically without engaging a clutch, eliminating the energy losses that occur with conventional clutch-based starting systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The conventional clutch-based starting system is replaced with an electrical starting system combined with planetary gear locking. The electrical machine can start the vehicle independently, and the planetary gear system locks the combustion engine output to the gearbox input, eliminating friction losses and improving starting efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If a conventional clutch mechanism is used, then gear disconnection is achieved, but the mechanism is relatively heavy, costly, and occupies large space
Solution Approach 1:
The planetary gear system serves multiple functions: it provides gear reduction, enables gear shifting, and achieves engine disconnection during operation and starting. By combining these functions into a single mechanism, the patent eliminates the need for a separate clutch mechanism, reducing weight, cost, and space occupancy while maintaining all necessary capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the clutch disconnect function with the planetary gear system. The planetary gear's locking mechanism performs the same engine disconnection function as a clutch would, but integrated into the existing gear train, thereby eliminating redundant components and reducing overall system weight and complexity.
4Stability of the object's composition
If a hydraulic converter/torque converter is used in automatic transmission, then smooth power transfer is achieved, but friction losses occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the friction-based hydraulic converter/torque converter with a direct mechanical connection through the planetary gear system. The planetary gears provide direct mechanical power transfer with high efficiency, eliminating the friction losses inherent in hydraulic fluid coupling while maintaining smooth and controlled power transfer characteristics.
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 enhances operational efficiency by enabling full electrical machine torque braking without restarting the combustion engine, reducing fuel consumption, and allowing the vehicle to start from standstill electrically, while maintaining a compact and lightweight design.
Implementation Method 1
the output shaft of the combustion engine, the rotor of the electrical machine and the input shaft of the gearbox are connected with a planetary gear
Implementation Method 2
When the vehicle decelerates, the electrical machine generates electric energy that may be stored
Implementation Method 3
The vehicle is suitably equipped with means for storage of energy, such as a battery or a capacitor for storage of electric energy
Data Source
AI summary
A drive system for a vehicle comprises an electrical machine, arranged between a combustion engine and an input shaft to a gearbox. The rotor of the electrical machine is connected with a component of a planetary gear, and the input shaft of the gearbox is connected with another component of such planetary gear. A first locking means may be moved between a locked position, in which the planetary gear's three components rotate at the same rotational speed, and a release position, in which the components are allowed to rotate at different rotational speeds. A second locking means is moveable between a locked position in which the output shaft of the combustion engine is locked together with a component in the planetary gear, and a release position, in which the combustion engine's output shaft is decoupled from such a component.