Hybrid Power Train with Nested Planetary Gear Sets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid vehicles require a power train that ensures sufficient driving force and high fuel efficiency across various driving conditions, while existing power trains struggle to achieve this with a compact and cost-effective configuration.
Innovation Solution
A power train configuration for hybrid vehicles utilizing multiple mode power split type with a first and second planetary gear set, clutches, and brakes, allowing for various traveling modes by connecting multiple power sources to the gear sets, enabling compact design and reduced cost through five stages of fixed gear ratios and continuous transmission gear ratios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a power train uses a single planetary gear set with fixed gear ratios, then the structure is simple and cost is reduced, but the adaptability to various driving conditions is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The power train is segmented into two independent planetary gear sets (first and second planetary gear sets), each capable of providing different gear ratios. This segmentation allows the system to achieve multiple gear ratios (five stages of fixed gear ratios plus continuous transmission gear ratios) without requiring a single complex gear train, thereby improving adaptability while managing structural complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual planetary gear set configuration enables the power train to perform multiple functions: it can operate in five stages of fixed gear ratios for efficient cruising, switch to continuous transmission gear ratios for dynamic driving conditions, and provide both engine power transmission and motor generator power integration. This multi-functionality improves adaptability to various driving conditions without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a power train uses multiple planetary gear sets with continuous transmission gear ratios, then adaptability to driving conditions is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second planetary gear sets are arranged in a nested or coaxial configuration where the second planetary gear set is positioned within or alongside the first gear set. This nesting approach allows both gear sets to share common mounting spaces and rotational axes, achieving continuous transmission gear ratios and multiple operational modes without proportionally increasing the overall structural complexity and space requirements.
3Volume of moving object
If a power train is designed for compact configuration, then space usage is efficient, but the complexity of achieving multiple gear ratios increases
Solution Approach 1:
The two planetary gear sets are configured in a nested arrangement where components of the second gear set are positioned within or adjacent to components of the first gear set. This nesting enables the power train to achieve five stages of fixed gear ratios and continuous transmission gear ratios in a compact volume, as both gear sets share common spatial resources rather than requiring separate mounting spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The power train merges the functions of two planetary gear sets with three clutches and two brakes into a single integrated transmission system. By combining these components into a unified structure with shared mounting points and coaxial arrangements, the system achieves multiple gear ratios in a compact configuration without the complexity of separate gear train assemblies.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a power train uses three clutches and two brakes with dual planetary gear sets, then multiple operational modes are achieved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The three clutches and two brakes are designed as universal control components that manage power flow across both planetary gear sets for multiple operational modes (five stages of fixed gear ratios and continuous transmission gear ratios). By using standardized multi-functional clutch and brake components rather than mode-specific actuators, the system achieves high operational versatility while controlling manufacturing costs through component reuse and standardization.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention can achieve hybrid modes with an input split mode, output split mode, and complex split mode, by using only one set of stepped pinion planetary gear sets, one set of single pinion planetary gear sets, three clutches, and two brakes, ensure the space of a vehicle with a compact configuration and reduce the cost by implementing five stages of fixed gear ratio mode, and achieve continuous transmission gear ratios, and improve the fuel efficiency of the vehicle by changing the modes in accordance with the traveling conditions of the vehicle. Further, since it is possible to reduce the performance required for a motor generator under the same conditions, by improving the performance of the system, it is possible to reduce the cost of the vehicle. Accordingly, the present invention provides a power train for a hybrid vehicle that can contribute to reduce the cost of a vehicle.