Hybrid Traction Assembly With Compact Differential Torque Split
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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 for various operating configurations including thermal, electrical, and hybrid modes, and featuring a differential assembly with selector and locking mechanisms for torque distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a hybrid traction assembly integrates both combustion engine and electric motor with transmission system, 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 transmission system. The input clutch connects the combustion engine to the transmission, while the electric motor is also connected to the same transmission, allowing both power sources to share common components and operate in various configurations (thermal mode, electrical mode, or hybrid mode).
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission system is designed to handle torque from both the combustion engine and electric motor, providing multiple operating configurations. The differential assembly with selector and locking mechanisms enables the system to distribute torque in different ways, making the assembly versatile for various vehicle operating needs while maintaining a unified structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If transmission system with differential assembly is integrated, then traction transmission ratios and torque distribution are improved, but volume and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The differential assembly is housed within the compact casing of the transmission system. The selector mechanism and locking mechanisms are integrated into the differential assembly structure, creating a nested arrangement where components are placed within available spaces of other components, maximizing space utilization and reducing overall volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides for a wide range of traction transmission ratios through the differential assembly and selector mechanisms, achieving functional complexity without proportionally increasing volume by optimizing the spatial arrangement of components in three-dimensional space.
Data Source
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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.