Hybrid Drive Torque Superposition for Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional hybrid drive concepts often require the internal combustion engine and electric machine to operate at a fixed speed ratio, which is not optimal for energy efficiency and dynamics, limiting the flexibility and performance of the hybrid drive.

Innovation Solution

A hybrid drive system with a torque superimposition device that allows independent switching of the electric machine and internal combustion engine, utilizing multiple transmission stages for each drive unit to optimize speed and efficiency, enabling flexible power distribution and reduced component complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the internal combustion engine and electric machine are coupled via a fixed speed ratio transmission, then the structure is simple, but the energy efficiency and driving dynamics are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission structureVSAvoidenergy efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing the fixed speed ratio transmission with a dynamic transmission system that can continuously adjust the speed ratio between the internal combustion engine and electric machine. This allows the system to adapt to varying driving conditions, optimizing energy efficiency while maintaining manageable structural complexity through controlled variability rather than rigid fixed ratios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by enabling continuous variation of the speed ratio parameter between the two drive machines. Instead of being constrained to fixed ratios, the transmission system can modify the speed ratio parameter in real-time based on operational requirements, thereby improving energy efficiency without substantially increasing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If the internal combustion engine and electric machine operate at a fixed speed ratio, then the control system is simple, but the driving dynamics and responsiveness are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol simplicityVSAvoiddriving dynamics
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction by introducing dynamic speed ratio adjustment capability that allows the transmission system to respond rapidly to changing driving conditions. The dynamic nature of the transmission enables improved driving dynamics and responsiveness while the control system manages the complexity through automated ratio selection based on operational parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies feedback principles by implementing a control system that continuously monitors driving conditions and adjusts the speed ratio accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables the system to maintain optimal performance and driving dynamics while managing control complexity through automated decision-making based on real-time operational data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Use of energy by moving object

If multiple transmission stages are provided for each drive unit, then the speed and efficiency optimization is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidtransmission device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the transmission system into distinct transmission stages, each optimized for specific operating conditions. This segmentation allows the system to achieve superior energy efficiency across different speed and load ranges while managing complexity through modular design, where each stage can be independently controlled and optimized.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If the two drive machines are independently switchable, then the flexibility and power distribution are improved, but the control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower distribution flexibilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction by implementing dynamic control that allows independent switching of the two drive machines based on real-time operational requirements. This dynamic control capability enhances power distribution flexibility and system adaptability while managing control complexity through automated decision-making algorithms that select optimal drive machine combinations based on driving conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2651681B1Hybrid drive
Publication Date: 2017.10.25 BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE AG
  • EP2651681B1 patent drawing
  • EP2651681B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a hybrid drive, comprising an internal combustion engine, an electric machine and a torque superposition device, by means of which a torque supplied by the internal combustion engine can be superposed on a torque supplied by the electric machine, wherein the torque superposition device has a first and a second torque input and a torque output. The electric machine is coupled to the first torque input via a first transmission device, and the internal combustion engine is coupled to the second torque input via a second transmission device.