Hybrid Powertrain Planetary Gear Set Multi-Function Motor Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid powertrains require a large number of parts to implement various driving modes, increasing manufacturing costs and reducing efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A powertrain design for hybrid vehicles using a planetary gear set with three rotary members, connected to an engine and two motor units, and multiple clutches to control driving modes, allowing for efficient power distribution between the front and rear wheels, and enabling various driving modes such as EV and HEV.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a large number of parts are used to implement various driving modes, then driving flexibility is improved, but manufacturing cost increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first motor unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it can drive the front wheels directly (EV mode), generate electricity through engine power (HEV mode), and work in combination with the second motor unit for four-wheel driving. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each driving mode, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining driving flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The planetary gear set integrates multiple power transmission paths into a single compact structure. The sun gear, carrier, and ring gear are combined to allow flexible power distribution between the engine and motor units to the front and rear driveshafts. This merging of functions into a single mechanism reduces the number of separate parts needed while enabling various driving modes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a large number of parts are used to implement various driving modes, then driving flexibility is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first motor unit serves multiple purposes across different driving modes (front-wheel drive, electricity generation, four-wheel drive assistance), eliminating the need for separate dedicated components for each mode. This reduces the total part count and associated manufacturing costs while preserving full driving mode flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The planetary gear set combines multiple power transmission functions into a single integrated mechanism, reducing the number of separate gears, shafts, and coupling components needed. This integration simplifies manufacturing processes and reduces assembly complexity, thereby lowering manufacturing costs.
3Loss of energy
If power is distributed through multiple clutches and planetary gear set, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The planetary gear set merges multiple power transmission paths into a single compact mechanism with inherent mechanical advantage. By utilizing the fixed relationships between sun gear, carrier, and ring gear, the system achieves efficient power distribution with minimal sliding friction losses, reducing energy loss while maintaining a relatively simple control structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A powertrain of a hybrid vehicle may include a planetary gear set, a first motor unit and a second motor unit. The planetary gear set may include three rotary members in which one rotary member is connected to an engine and another rotary member is connected to a front driveshaft. The first motor unit is connected to the remaining rotary member in the three rotary members, and the second motor unit is connected to a rear driveshaft and supplying power to the rear driveshaft.