Torque Transmission Unit for Hybrid Vehicle Vibration Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing torque transmission units for internal combustion engines and gear units fail to effectively reduce rotary vibrations and efficiently transmit torque between hybrid systems comprising both internal combustion engines and electric motors, particularly in hybrid vehicle applications.
Innovation Solution
A torque transmission unit featuring a first non-rotatable centrifugal mass connected to an internal combustion engine and a second centrifugal mass connected to a gear unit, with an electric machine rotor and a centrifugal force pendulum device to reduce rotary vibrations, allowing for the transmission of electrical torque and enabling hybrid vehicle operation by incorporating an energy storage device and a separating clutch for dynamic torque management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a torque transmission unit is designed for hybrid applications with both internal combustion engine and electric motor, then the system can achieve parallel hybrid operation and flexible torque transmission, but the device complexity increases due to multiple centrifugal masses, energy storage device, electric machine, and separating clutch
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional components into a unified torque transmission unit: the first centrifugal mass (internal combustion engine side), second centrifugal mass (gear unit side), energy storage device, electric machine rotor, and separating clutch are merged into a single integrated system that enables parallel hybrid operation while managing complexity through functional integration
Solution Approach 2:
The torque transmission unit is designed with multi-functionality to handle various operational modes: mechanical torque transmission from internal combustion engine, electrical torque transmission from electric motor, energy storage and release, vibration damping, and engine starting capability. This universal design allows the same system to serve multiple purposes in hybrid vehicle applications
2Object-affected harmful factors
If rotary vibrations are reduced using a centrifugal force pendulum device, then vibration isolation and elimination are improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The centrifugal force pendulum device acts as an intermediary element between the first and second centrifugal masses. It reduces rotary vibrations by introducing counterbalancing masses that generate opposing centrifugal forces, thereby isolating and dampening harmful vibrations without requiring complete system redesign
Solution Approach 2:
The centrifugal force pendulum device operates in a different dimensional approach compared to traditional vibration dampers. By using pendulum masses that move in arcs rather than linear dampers, it effectively reduces rotary vibrations through centrifugal force counterbalancing in a radial dimension, adding vibrational degree of freedom control
3Productivity
If an energy storage device is introduced for dynamic torque management, then torque transmission flexibility and hybrid operation efficiency are improved, but the device complexity and energy management requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage device (flywheel) is pre-loaded with rotational energy before torque transmission events. This preliminary energy storage allows the system to quickly deliver or absorb torque as needed during hybrid operation, enabling rapid response without waiting for energy generation during the actual torque transmission event
Solution Approach 2:
The energy storage device changes the energy parameters of the system by storing and releasing rotational kinetic energy. This parameter change capability allows dynamic adjustment of torque transmission characteristics, enabling the system to optimize power delivery between internal combustion engine and electric motor based on real-time energy availability and demand
4Adaptability or versatility
If a separating clutch is added for dynamic torque management between internal combustion engine and gear unit, then operational flexibility and engine restart capability are improved, but the device complexity and torque transmission paths increase
Solution Approach 1:
The separating clutch introduces dynamic controllability to the torque transmission path. It can be engaged or disengaged based on operational requirements, allowing the system to switch between direct mechanical coupling and decoupled operation. This dynamic capability enables flexible engine restart procedures and adaptive torque management in hybrid operation modes
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 solution effectively reduces rotary vibrations, enables efficient torque transmission between internal combustion engines and gear units, facilitates quick engine restarts, and allows for parallel hybrid vehicle operation by utilizing the centrifugal force pendulum device and energy storage system to dampen vibrations and manage energy flux.
Implementation Method 1
a centrifugal force pendulum device for reducing rotary vibrations
Implementation Method 2
the first centrifugal mass and the second centrifugal mass are assignable or assigned by means of an energy storage device so as to be rotatable relative to each other
Implementation Method 3
the second centrifugal mass has a rotor of an electric machine for transmitting an electrically producible torque to the second centrifugal mass
Data Source
AI summary
A torque transmission unit which has a first centrifugal mass that can be non-rotatably associated with an internal combustion engine and a second centrifugal mass that is connected downstream of the first mass and can be associated with a transmission. The second centrifugal mass has a rotor of an electric machine for transmitting a torque that can be electrically generated to the second centrifugal mass and a centrifugal force pendulum for reducing torsional vibrations.