Hybrid Powertrain Torque Multiplication via Fluid Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hybrid vehicle powertrains face inefficiencies due to the need for frequent operation of internal combustion engines in conjunction with electric motors, leading to suboptimal torque and speed management, particularly in transmissions with multiple speed ratios.

Innovation Solution

A multiple power-source hybrid powertrain system incorporating a fluid coupling and multiple speed-ratio transmission, where an internal combustion engine and an electric motor work in parallel, with torque transfer systems and torque-transmitting devices to optimize torque distribution and reduce engine operation frequency, utilizing a gear-set or chain mechanism for torque transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a single electric motor is combined with the internal combustion engine in a hybrid powertrain, then the powertrain can provide hybrid propulsion, but the engine must operate frequently leading to suboptimal torque and speed management

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehybrid propulsion capabilityVSAvoidenergy losses due to frequent engine operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple electric motors (first and second electric motors) with the internal combustion engine to create a multi-power-source hybrid powertrain. This merging of multiple power sources allows for more flexible torque and speed management, enabling the system to optimize engine operation frequency and reduce energy losses while maintaining hybrid propulsion capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Productivity

If multiple electric motors are used in combination with the engine, then torque management is improved, but the device complexity increases with additional torque transfer systems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetorque management efficiencyVSAvoidcomplexity of torque transfer systems

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the torque transfer systems to perform multiple functions. The first torque transfer system connects the second electric motor to the engine, while the second torque transfer system connects the second electric motor to the transmission. This multi-functional design allows a single torque transfer system to handle both engine-assist and direct-drive functions, improving torque management efficiency without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Power

If the engine operates frequently to power the vehicle, then sufficient power is available, but motor efficiency decreases due to suboptimal operating conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower availabilityVSAvoidmotor efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic powertrain system that can continuously adjust the operating mode between the internal combustion engine and multiple electric motors based on real-time power demands and operating conditions. This dynamic operation allows the system to maintain optimal efficiency by selecting the most appropriate power source for current conditions while ensuring sufficient power availability, rather than operating the engine frequently in suboptimal conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 motor efficiency by multiplying torque and reducing engine operation frequency, improving torque management and reducing energy losses through the fluid coupling, while enabling hybrid propulsion and efficient energy storage and conversion.

Implementation Method 1

a fluid coupling having a fluid pump shaft operatively connected to the first power-source and a turbine shaft operatively connected to the multiple speed-ratio transmission. The fluid coupling is configured to multiply the first power-source torque, and transfer the multiplied first power-source torque to the multiple speed-ratio transmission.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid coupling torque multiplication: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 2

a second power-source configured to generate a second power-source torque... The second power-source may be an electric motor housed inside a motor housing. The electric motor may include a rotor free to rotate relative to the motor housing and including a rotor shaft operatively connected to the first torque transfer system.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11220172B2Motor vehicle hybrid powertrain

Publication Date: 2022.01.11 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

A vehicle powertrain includes a first power-source configured to generate a first power-source torque and a multiple speed-ratio transmission configured to transmit the first power-source torque to power the vehicle. The powertrain also includes a fluid coupling having a fluid pump shaft operatively connected to the first power-source and a turbine shaft operatively connected to the multi-speed transmission. The fluid coupling is configured to multiply the first power-source torque, and transfer the multiplied first power-source torque to the multiple speed-ratio transmission. The powertrain additionally includes a second power-source configured to generate a second power-source torque and a first torque transfer system configured to connect the second power-source to the first power-source. The powertrain further includes a second torque transfer system configured to connect the second power-source to the multi-speed transmission. A motor vehicle having such a powertrain is also envisioned.