Hybrid Powertrain Clutch Layout for Power Retention and Multi-Mode Drive

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hybrid powertrains have poor power retention performance due to limitations in their design and functionality.

Innovation Solution

A hybrid powertrain with a compact structure, incorporating multiple electrical machines and a clutch assembly, allowing for various running modes and enhanced driving functions, including power generation while driving.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional hybrid powertrain with single electrical machine is used, then the structure is simple, but the power retention performance is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower retention performanceVSAvoidpowertrain structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The powertrain is segmented into multiple functional modules: engine module, first electrical machine module (for driving), second electrical machine module (for power generation), and clutch assembly module. This segmentation allows each module to specialize in specific functions, improving overall power retention performance while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The clutch assembly serves multiple functions: it selectively connects/disconnects the engine from the first electrical machine, enables power transfer between components, and facilitates different running modes (driving mode, power generation mode, charging mode). This multi-functionality improves power retention versatility without proportionally increasing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple electrical machines are added to improve running modes, then the driving functions are enriched, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverunning modesVSAvoidelectrical machine combination
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The clutch assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism that coordinates between the engine, first electrical machine, and second electrical machine. It enables selective engagement and disengagement, allowing the system to switch between different running modes (driving, power generation, charging) without requiring a completely reconfigured mechanical structure for each mode.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

The hybrid powertrain achieves improved power retention performance and enriched driving functions through efficient power distribution and transfer, enabling multiple running modes and optimized power generation.

Implementation Method 1

the second electrical machine including a rotor and a stator, the rotor being configured to rotate relative to the stator, and the rotor being fixedly connected to the main shaft, so that the engine is configured to drive the second electrical machine to generate power

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4534311A1Hybrid powertrain and vehicle
Publication Date: 2025.04.09 BYD CO LTD
  • EP4534311A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4534311A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4534311A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A hybrid powertrain and a vehicle are provided. The hybrid powertrain includes a first electrical machine, an engine, a main shaft, a clutch assembly, a second electrical machine, and a power battery. One end of the main shaft is connected to an output shaft of the engine, and another end of the main shaft is selectively connected to an electrical machine shaft of the first electrical machine through the clutch assembly. The first electrical machine is configured to selectively output power to a first wheel end through the clutch assembly. The second electrical machine includes a rotor and a stator, the rotor is configured to rotate relative to the stator, and the rotor is fixedly connected to the main shaft. The first electrical machine and the second electrical machine are connected to the power battery.