Hybrid Propulsion Fluid Circuit Layout for Motor and Clutch Cooling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current hybrid propulsion systems for marine vessels require integration of multiple disparate systems from different suppliers, leading to complex installation and space inefficiencies, as they often necessitate separate systems for fluid supplies, cooling, and computer control units.
Innovation Solution
A propulsion system that integrates an electric motor assembly with a disconnect clutch and a fluid system, where a cooling and lubrication fluid circuit is interconnected with a clutch actuation fluid circuit, allowing for shared fluid supply and operation through a first and second pump, enabling efficient torque application and fluid distribution across various modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple disparate systems from different suppliers are integrated, then system functionality is achieved, but system complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cooling system and clutch actuation system into a single integrated fluid system with a common reservoir and shared fluid passages. The electric motor assembly houses both the cooling pump and clutch actuation pump, and a single fluid circuit distributes fluid to both the electric motor bearing assembly and the clutch mechanism, eliminating the need for separate fluid supplies and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides cooling lubrication to the electric motor bearings, supplies actuation pressure to the clutch mechanism, and uses a common fluid reservoir that can be positioned at different locations. The same fluid type (oil) performs both cooling and actuation functions, demonstrating multi-functionality that reduces the number of separate systems required.
2Reliability
If separate fluid supplies and cooling systems are used, then system reliability is maintained, but space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges separate fluid supply systems into a single integrated fluid system where one reservoir and one pump serve both the cooling function for the electric motor and the actuation function for the clutch. This consolidation significantly reduces the volume occupied by fluid system components while maintaining reliable operation of both functions through shared fluid distribution passages and a common oil supply.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate cooling and actuation systems are used, then functional independence is achieved, but ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the cooling system and clutch actuation system into a single manufactured assembly within the electric motor housing. The fluid passages, pumps, and reservoir are incorporated as integrated components during motor assembly, eliminating the need for separate manufacturing and assembly processes for cooling and actuation systems. This integration simplifies manufacturing while maintaining the functional independence of cooling and actuation through separate fluid distribution pathways.
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 integration simplifies system assembly, reduces space requirements, and ensures continuous cooling and lubrication of the electric motor and disconnect clutch across different operating modes, enhancing the efficiency and flexibility of hybrid propulsion systems.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling and lubrication fluid circuit fluidly connected to the first pump
Implementation Method 2
a clutch actuation fluid circuit fluidly connected to the second pump
Data Source
AI summary
A propulsion system includes an electric motor assembly having an electric motor, a driveshaft, and a disconnect clutch. The disconnect clutch is structured to couple the driveshaft to an engine output shaft. The propulsion system further includes a fluid system having a cooling and lubrication fluid circuit fluidly connected to a first pump, and a clutch actuation fluid circuit fluidly connected to a second pump. The cooling and lubrication fluid circuit is fluidly connected to the clutch actuation fluid circuit via at least one of respective pump outgoing conduits from the first pump and the second pump or respective pump supply conduits to the first pump and the second pump. Related operating methodology is also disclosed.