Hybrid Powertrain Mechanism with External Epicyclic Gears
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hybrid powertrain mechanisms face challenges in achieving hybrid power transmission due to the lack of connection between epicyclic trains and clutches, and the difficulty and cost associated with fabricating internal gears and bevel gears.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid powertrain mechanism incorporating a first and second epicyclic train, electric machines, clutches, and brakes, which allows for various operating modes by controlling the engagement and release of these components to optimize power output and efficiency, while using external gears to simplify fabrication and reduce costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If internal gears and bevel gears are used in epicyclic trains, then power transmission capability is improved, but fabrication difficulty and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the internal gears from the epicyclic train design, replacing them with external gears. This extraction eliminates the fabrication difficulties associated with internal gears while maintaining the power transmission functionality through alternative gear arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using internal gears as conventionally done, the patent inverts the approach by using external gears in an unconventional configuration. This inversion allows for easier manufacturing while achieving the same mechanical function through a different structural arrangement.
2Device complexity
If epicyclic trains are not connected to clutches, then mechanical design is simplified, but hybrid power transmission effect cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces clutches as intermediary components that connect the epicyclic trains to other powertrain elements. These clutches act as mediators that enable selective engagement and disengagement, allowing the system to achieve hybrid power transmission while maintaining manageable complexity through controlled connections.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple operating modes are implemented, then system adaptability and efficiency are improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multiple operating modes that allow the system to dynamically adapt to different driving conditions. The control system dynamically switches between modes (such as electric-only, hybrid, and engine-only modes) based on real-time requirements, enhancing versatility while managing complexity through adaptive control strategies.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling operating modes of a hybrid powertrain mechanism including a first epicyclic train having first and second sun gears and a planetary gear couplable to these sun gears; a second epicyclic train having third and fourth sun gears and a planetary gear couplable to these sun gears; a first electric machine having one end coupled to the second sun gear; a second electric machine having one end coupled to the fourth sun gear; a first clutch having one end coupled to another end of the first electric machine; a first brake having one end coupled to another end of the first clutch and another end coupled to the third sun gear; and an engine coupled to the first sun gear. Various driving modes are provided by changing the states of the first clutch and the first brake and the operating modes of the first and second electric machines.