Hybrid Drive Train Planetary Gear Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hybrid drive trains face challenges in optimizing energy consumption and achieving a sporty driving style, particularly in coupling an internal combustion engine with an electric machine and a planetary gear mechanism while enabling efficient cold starting and variable speed ratios.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid drive train design incorporating a planetary gear mechanism that couples the electric machine to both the transmission input and output shafts via a clutch device and variable speed transmission, allowing for a permanent connection of the electric machine to the transmission input shaft and enabling a rotation speed ratio between the internal combustion engine, electric machine, and output shaft, with a double clutch system for efficient starting and running conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the electric machine is permanently coupled to the transmission input shaft via the planetary gear mechanism, then cold starting of the internal combustion engine is enabled and variable rotation speed ratios are achieved, but the device complexity increases due to the additional coupling mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The planetary gear mechanism serves multiple functions: it enables variable rotation speed ratios between the internal combustion engine and electric machine, facilitates cold starting of the engine by the electric machine, and allows for different operational modes (series hybrid, parallel hybrid, engine-only, electric-only). This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by achieving adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Productivity
If the clutch device is used to connect or disconnect the planetary carrier and sun gear, then sporty driving style and energy consumption optimization are achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch device enables dynamic reconfiguration of the powertrain architecture, allowing the system to switch between different operational modes based on driving conditions. The clutch can connect or disconnect the planetary carrier and sun gear, enabling transitions between series hybrid mode (optimized for energy consumption) and parallel hybrid mode (optimized for sporty driving), thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and complexity.
3Speed
If a variable speed transmission is implemented to couple the transmission input shaft to the output shaft, then variable rotation speed ratios are achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The planetary gear mechanism is integrated directly into the transmission system, merging the functions of the planetary gear set and the variable speed transmission. This consolidation achieves variable rotation speed ratios while minimizing additional complexity by using a unified mechanical structure rather than separate components.
4Loss of energy
If the electric machine is coupled to both transmission input and output shafts via the planetary gear mechanism, then efficient energy transfer is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The planetary gear mechanism acts as an intermediary between the electric machine and the transmission system, enabling efficient energy transfer in both directions (motor mode and generator mode). The planetary gears provide a mechanical advantage that facilitates smooth power flow while minimizing energy losses, resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A hybrid drive train has an internal combustion engine (2), an electric machine (30), a clutch device (10) and a variable speed transmission (5) via which a transmission input shaft (13) can be coupled to an output shaft (6), and having a planetary gear mechanism (33). To improve the properties of a hybrid vehicle having the hybrid drive train with respect to energy consumption and/or a sporty driving style, the electric machine (30) is coupled to the transmission input shaft (13) and the output shaft (6) via the planetary gear mechanism (33).