Hybrid Powertrain Single Motor-Generator Four-Wheel Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hybrid electric vehicle powertrains are complex and require two electric machines, which increases cost and reduces efficiency, whereas the goal is to simplify the design using a single electric machine that can function as both a generator and a motor, while maintaining flexibility in drive modes and torque delivery.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid electric vehicle powertrain design incorporating a single motor-generator unit with a multiple-ratio transmission mechanism and twin clutches, allowing for front wheel drive, rear wheel drive, and four-wheel drive modes, along with regenerative braking capabilities, using a planetary gear unit and reaction brake to manage torque distribution efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two electric machines are used in hybrid electric vehicle powertrains, then drive mode flexibility and torque delivery capability are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single motor-generator unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate as a motor to provide torque to the wheels, as a generator to charge the battery, and can be selectively connected to different wheel sets (front or rear) to enable various drive modes including FWD, RWD, and 4WD configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic clutch engagement and disengagement to selectively connect the motor-generator to different torque input shafts and wheel sets, allowing the drive mode to be changed on-the-fly without physical reconfiguration, thereby achieving versatility through dynamic control rather than static multiple components
2Power
If two electric machines are used in hybrid electric vehicle powertrains, then torque delivery capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single motor-generator unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate as a motor to provide torque to the wheels, as a generator to charge the battery, and can be selectively connected to different wheel sets (front or rear) to enable various drive modes including FWD, RWD, and 4WD configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The powertrain is segmented into two concentric torque input shafts that can be independently engaged through twin clutches, allowing the single motor-generator to deliver torque to different wheel sets selectively, thereby achieving flexible torque delivery without requiring two separate electric machines
3Device complexity
If a single electric machine is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability in drive modes may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic clutch engagement and disengagement to selectively connect the motor-generator to different torque input shafts and wheel sets, allowing the drive mode to be changed on-the-fly without physical reconfiguration, thereby achieving versatility through dynamic control rather than static multiple components
Solution Approach 2:
The twin clutch system acts as an intermediary mechanism between the single motor-generator and the two torque input shafts, enabling flexible routing of torque to different wheel sets and achieving multiple drive modes through controlled engagement and disengagement of the clutches
4Power
If multiple-ratio transmission is integrated with single motor-generator, then torque ratio spread is extended, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple-ratio transmission mechanism is merged with the single motor-generator and twin clutch system into an integrated powertrain architecture, where the transmission gears are shared across both torque input shafts, thereby extending torque ratio spread without proportionally increasing overall device complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A hybrid electric vehicle powertrain is disclosed. A countershaft transmission in the powertrain delivers power from an engine through countershaft gearing. Electric power from a single motor-generator complements engine power and may drive front traction wheels. Regenerative power is recovered during power delivery to rear traction wheels.