Hybrid Powertrain Offset Motor Packaging and Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional series-parallel hybrid powertrains face challenges with cost, complexity, and operability due to the arrangement of the motor and crankshaft on the same axis, which restricts packaging and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid powertrain configuration that includes an internal combustion engine, a turbine coupled to its exhaust, a generator, a motor-generator, and a controller that adjusts the proportion of shaft power by controlling combustion timing and exhaust valve timing to optimize energy distribution between series and parallel power paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the motor and crankshaft are arranged on the same axis, then torque transmission is simplified, but packaging flexibility and system complexity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional same-axis arrangement to a multi-dimensional spatial configuration where the motor is positioned offset from the crankshaft axis. This dimensional change enables flexible packaging arrangements while maintaining effective torque transmission through engineered coupling mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the motor is positioned offset from the crankshaft axis, then packaging flexibility improves, but torque transmission complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediary components such as gear mechanisms, belt drives, or coupling devices that mediate between the offset motor and crankshaft. These intermediaries enable torque transmission across non-coincident axes while maintaining system manageability and avoiding direct complex mechanical linkages.
3Productivity
If combustion timing and exhaust valve timing are adjusted to optimize power distribution, then power management efficiency improves, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a multi-functional controller that simultaneously manages combustion timing, exhaust valve timing, generator operation, and motor control. This universal control approach optimizes power distribution across series and parallel paths while consolidating control functions to manage system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor engine operating conditions, power demands, and component states to dynamically adjust combustion and valve timing. This feedback-driven optimization achieves efficient power management while maintaining adaptability to varying operational requirements.
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
This configuration enhances power management, reduces complexity, and improves packaging efficiency by decoupling the speed of the internal combustion engine from instantaneous power demands and charging requirements, allowing for flexible power allocation between series and parallel paths.
Implementation Method 1
a turbine fluidly coupled to an exhaust of the internal combustion engine
Implementation Method 2
a generator operatively coupled to the turbine for transmission of a second shaft power therebetween, and electrically coupled to an electric battery
Implementation Method 3
a motor-generator operatively coupled to the mechanical transmission for transmission of a third shaft power therebetween, and electrically coupled to the electric battery
Implementation Method 4
Reciprocating internal combustion (IC) engines are known for converting chemical energy stored in a fuel supply into mechanical shaft power
Data Source
AI summary
A hybrid powertrain includes an internal combustion engine, a load coupled to the internal combustion engine via a mechanical transmission for transmission of a first shaft power therebetween, a turbine fluidly coupled to an exhaust of the internal combustion engine, a generator operatively coupled to the turbine for transmission of a second shaft power therebetween, and electrically coupled to an electric battery, a motor-generator operatively coupled to the mechanical transmission for transmission of a third shaft power therebetween, and electrically coupled to the electric battery; and a controller operatively coupled to the internal combustion engine. The controller is configured to adjust a relative proportion of the third shaft power compared to the first shaft power by adjusting at least one of a combustion timing of the internal combustion engine and an exhaust valve timing of the internal combustion engine.