Hybrid Traction Assembly With Compact Multi-Mode Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing traction assemblies for heavy vehicles are not compact and versatile enough to meet the diverse operating needs while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid traction assembly that integrates an input clutch connected to a combustion engine and an electric motor, with a transmission system housed in a compact casing, allowing various torque transmission configurations through a differential assembly and selector means, including pneumatic actuators for seamless switching between thermal, electric, and hybrid modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a hybrid traction assembly integrating combustion engine and electric motor is provided, then versatility and operating configurations are improved, but device complexity and dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the combustion engine and electric motor into a single hybrid traction assembly with a common casing (7) housing both power sources and their transmission paths. The input clutch (4) for the combustion engine and the electric motor (5) are integrated within the same transmission system, allowing both power sources to share common components like the differential assembly (13) and selector means (30), thereby reducing overall complexity despite the hybrid configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission system is designed with selector means (30) that enable a single assembly to provide multiple operating configurations: thermal mode (combustion engine only), electric mode (electric motor only), and hybrid mode (both power sources). The differential assembly (13) and couplings (2, 3) serve universal functions across all operating modes, allowing the same hardware to adapt to different vehicle needs without requiring separate dedicated systems.
2Volume of moving object
If a compact design is pursued, then vehicle dimensions are reduced, but manufacturing precision and assembly tolerance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested arrangement where the transmission system is housed within a compact casing (7) that contains both the combustion engine input clutch (4) and electric motor (5). The differential assembly (13) is positioned centrally within the casing, with couplings (2, 3) extending outward. This nested configuration maximizes space utilization and achieves compact dimensions while maintaining adequate clearance and tolerance zones for manufacturing and assembly.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A traction assembly (1) for a vehicle, comprising a first and a second coupling (2, 3) configured to be connected respectively to a front axle and a rear axle, an input clutch (4) configured to be connected to an output shaft of an internal combustion engine and at least one electric machine (5), the traction assembly (1) comprising a casing (7) defining a housing (8) and a transmission (6) in the housing (8) and configured to allow torque transmission between the input clutch (4), the at least one electric machine (5) and the couplings (2, 3), the transmission (6) being controlled so as to allow torque transmission according to multiple operational modes.