Hybrid Utility Vehicle Powertrain With Switchable Series-Parallel Modes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid utility vehicles require advanced powertrain systems that can efficiently switch between different drive modes, such as charge-and-drive, full performance, and charge-at-rest, to optimize energy usage and performance across various terrains and operational conditions.
Innovation Solution
A parallel hybrid powertrain system comprising an engine, an electric motor/generator, and a transmission with a coupler mechanism that allows the engine and motor/generator to operate in various configurations, including series and parallel modes, enabling the vehicle to switch between different drive modes by coupling and decoupling shafts and gears to optimize power flow and energy management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a hybrid vehicle uses both an electric motor and an internal combustion engine to provide power, then the vehicle can operate in multiple drive modes (series, parallel, charge-at-rest) to optimize energy usage and performance, but the powertrain system becomes more complex with additional components including engine, electric motor/generator, transmission with multiple shafts, and coupler mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The electric motor/generator is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate as a motor to drive the transmission, as a generator to charge the battery, and can be coupled with the engine through the transmission system. The transmission system itself serves multiple purposes by allowing different shaft couplings (input shaft to second shaft, input shaft to output shaft) to achieve series hybrid mode, parallel hybrid mode, and charge-at-rest mode from a single powertrain architecture.
2Productivity
If the engine and electric motor/generator are coupled to the transmission input shaft with a coupler mechanism allowing multiple coupling configurations, then the vehicle can efficiently switch between series and parallel hybrid modes to optimize power flow, but the transmission system requires additional couplers and shaft coupling mechanisms increasing mechanical complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission system incorporates movable couplers that can dynamically change the coupling configuration between shafts based on operating conditions. The first coupler can move to couple or decouple the input shaft and second shaft, while the second coupler can move to couple or decouple the input shaft and output shaft. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to adapt between series hybrid mode, parallel hybrid mode, and charge-at-rest mode, optimizing power flow for different driving conditions.
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
The system allows for efficient energy management, enabling the vehicle to operate in multiple drive modes, enhancing performance and fuel efficiency across different terrains and conditions, while also allowing for regenerative charging and optimal power distribution between the engine and electric motor.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor/generator (60) coupled to a transmission (32) to provide input power to the transmission
Implementation Method 2
the engine driven motor/generator (60) to charge the battery (70)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A hybrid vehicle may be a series hybrid or a parallel hybrid vehicle. One embodiment of a parallel hybrid vehicle includes an engine, a transmission coupled to the engine, a front drive coupled to the transmission through a prop shaft, a rear drive coupled to the transmission, a traction motor drivingly coupled to the prop shaft, and a battery to operate the traction motor.