Parallel Hybrid Utility Powertrain With Adaptive Drive Modes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hybrid vehicles lack efficient operational modes that optimize energy usage and performance across various driving conditions, particularly in utility vehicles requiring versatile terrain traversal.
Innovation Solution
A parallel hybrid power train system incorporating an engine, electric motor/generator, and transmission, allowing for silent, charge-at-rest, and full performance modes, with a control system enabling modes like Downhill Speed Control, Hill Hold Control, Snow Plow Control, and Electric Drive-Away Control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a hybrid vehicle uses both engine and battery packs for power, then energy efficiency is improved, but the vehicle lacks optimized operational modes for different driving conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between five operational modes (electric-only, hybrid, engine-only, charging, and parked charging) based on real-time driving conditions, battery state, and terrain requirements, optimizing energy efficiency for each specific scenario
Solution Approach 2:
The motor/generator serves multiple functions: propulsion in electric-only mode, assistance in hybrid mode, generation in charging mode, and braking energy recovery, allowing a single component to address diverse operational requirements
2Force
If the vehicle operates in all-terrain mode with high power demand, then terrain traversal capability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial electric motor assistance even when full power is available from the engine, using the motor to fill power gaps during high-demand terrain traversal and reduce overall energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system captures energy that would otherwise be lost during braking and deceleration on steep terrain, converting it into electrical energy through regenerative braking to recharge the battery pack
3Use of energy by moving object
If the vehicle uses engine to charge battery packs, then energy efficiency is improved, but the vehicle loses driving capability during charging
Solution Approach 1:
The motor/generator simultaneously performs propulsion and generation functions, allowing the vehicle to maintain driving capability while charging the battery pack during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables continuous charging during vehicle operation through regenerative braking and motor-generators, eliminating the need to stop driving to recharge the battery pack
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
Enhances energy efficiency and performance by optimizing power distribution between engine and motor/generator, providing smooth operation and adaptive control across diverse terrains and driving conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a battery pack for storing energy and for powering the motor/generator
Implementation Method 2
an motor/generator operably coupled to a transmission of the vehicle for powering the vehicle
Implementation Method 3
an engine operably coupled to a transmission of the vehicle for driving the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A hybrid vehicle may be a series hybrid or a parallel hybrid vehicle. One embodiment of a parallel hybrid vehicle includes an engine, a transmission coupled to the engine, a front drive coupled to the transmission through a prop shaft, a rear drive coupled to the transmission, a traction motor drivingly coupled to the prop shaft, and a battery to operate the traction motor.