Hybrid Powertrain Torque Biasing via Planetary Gear Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrating hybrid powertrain systems with conventional actively managed 4WD systems poses challenges due to cost, packaging, and complexity issues.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle hybrid powertrain system incorporating a power transfer box and two electric machines that selectively provide or receive motive power between primary and secondary drivelines, utilizing a torque-producing machine with a planetary gear set and storage devices for energy conversion, enabling active 4WD torque-biasing and regenerative braking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If both hybrid powertrain systems and conventional actively managed 4WD systems are integrated in a single vehicle, then fuel economy and tractive performance are improved, but cost, packaging space, and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the hybrid powertrain system and conventional 4WD system into a single integrated architecture. The power transfer box serves dual functions: transferring power between front and rear drivelines for 4WD operation and managing power flow between the engine and electric machines for hybrid operation. This merging eliminates the need for separate control systems and reduces overall system complexity despite providing both fuel economy improvement and tractive performance enhancement.
Solution Approach 2:
The power transfer box is designed as a multi-functional component that performs both 4WD power distribution and hybrid power management. It can selectively engage different drivelines and coordinate between the engine and electric machines, allowing a single component to handle multiple functions that would traditionally require separate systems, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining both fuel economy and tractive performance benefits.
2Use of energy by moving object
If both hybrid powertrain systems and conventional actively managed 4WD systems are integrated in a single vehicle, then fuel economy and tractive performance are improved, but cost, packaging space, and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the hybrid powertrain components with the 4WD power transfer box into a single integrated unit. The power transfer box housing accommodates both the 4WD gear mechanisms and the hybrid power management components, including electric machines and control systems. This consolidation significantly reduces the packaging space required compared to having separate systems, while still achieving improved fuel economy through hybrid operation.
3Force
If both hybrid powertrain systems and conventional actively managed 4WD systems are integrated in a single vehicle, then fuel economy and tractive performance are improved, but cost, packaging space, and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power transfer box is designed as a universal component that handles both 4WD power distribution for tractive performance and hybrid power management for fuel economy. It selectively engages different drivelines and coordinates between engine and electric machines through integrated control, allowing a single system to provide both enhanced tractive performance and improved fuel economy without proportionally increasing complexity.
4Force
If both hybrid powertrain systems and conventional actively managed 4WD systems are integrated in a single vehicle, then fuel economy and tractive performance are improved, but cost, packaging space, and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the hybrid powertrain components with the 4WD power transfer box into a single integrated unit. The power transfer box housing accommodates both the 4WD gear mechanisms and the hybrid power management components, including electric machines and control systems. This consolidation significantly reduces the packaging space required compared to having separate systems, while still achieving improved fuel economy through hybrid operation.
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 solution enhances fuel economy, stability, and tractive performance by efficiently managing torque between drivelines, reducing parasitic drag, and optimizing energy usage through regenerative braking, while maintaining vehicle control and flexibility in motor placement and operation.
Implementation Method 1
A torque-producing machine, such as a planetary gear set, may be used to convert power between the drivelines
Implementation Method 2
The second electric machine selectively provides motive power to at least one of the drivelines, receives motive power from at least one of the drivelines or free spins
Data Source
AI summary
A torque-producing machine and planetary gear set biases torque between primary and secondary drivelines of a vehicle. A first element of the planetary gear set is connected to an upstream torque source. A second element of the planetary gear set is connected to the secondary driveline. A third element of the planetary gear set is connected to a torque-producing biasing machine.