Hybrid Transaxle Gear Layout to Avoid Generator Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transaxle devices for hybrid vehicles face interference issues between the generator and transmission, limiting vehicle mountability by requiring a larger interval between the engine and generator in the width direction.
Innovation Solution
The transaxle device incorporates an intermediate gear that meshes with both the engine's first gear and the generator's second gear, allowing for a non-coaxial arrangement that avoids interference and enables a shorter interval between the engine and generator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the generator is disposed at a position overlapping with the transmission in the width direction, then the interval between the engine and generator can be reduced, but the generator interferes with the transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate gear as a mediator component between the engine and generator. This intermediate gear enables the transmission of rotational force without requiring direct coaxial alignment, allowing the generator to be positioned closer to the engine in the width direction while avoiding interference with the transmission components. The intermediate gear acts as a spatial buffer that decouples the positional constraints between the engine and generator.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a traditional coaxial arrangement (one-dimensional alignment) to a non-coaxial arrangement utilizing multiple dimensions. By positioning the intermediate gear on a different axis and using spatial offset, the system allows the generator to be disposed at a position overlapping with the transmission in the width direction without causing interference, effectively using three-dimensional space to resolve the spatial conflict.
2Device complexity
If the primary side of the transmission is directly connected to the rotary shaft of the engine, then the structure is simplified, but the generator cannot be disposed at a position overlapping with the transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate gear serves as an intermediary component that adds minimal structural complexity while enabling significant positioning flexibility. By inserting this single intermediate gear between the engine's first gear and the generator's second gear, the system gains the ability to dispose the generator at overlapping positions with the transmission, which would otherwise be impossible with direct connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested gear arrangement where the intermediate gear is positioned within the existing transmission space. The first gear, intermediate gear, and second gear are arranged in a nested configuration along the rotational force transmission path, allowing compact integration without significantly increasing overall device complexity while achieving the desired positioning flexibility.
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 configuration improves vehicle mountability by allowing a smaller interval between the engine and generator, reducing overall dimensions and enhancing installation flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
an intermediate gear that meshes with both the engine's first gear and the generator's second gear, allowing for a non-coaxial arrangement that avoids interference
Data Source
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AI summary
A transaxle device which is interposed between an internal combustion engine, a first rotary electric machine that generates electric power with a driving force of the internal combustion engine, and a drive shaft of a drive wheel, wherein the transaxle device includes a transmission configured to change a rotating ratio of a rotary shaft of the internal combustion engine to the drive shaft, the transaxle device including, a first gear interposed on the rotary shaft of the internal combustion engine, a second gear interposed on a rotary shaft of the first rotary electric machine, and a third gear interposed on a rotary shaft on a primary side of the transmission, wherein an intermediate gear is interposed such that the intermediate gear meshes with the first gear and the second gear, receives the driving force of the internal combustion engine from the first gear and rotates to transmit the driving force of the internal combustion engine to the second gear, and as the third gear meshes with the intermediate gear, the driving force of the internal combustion engine is transmitted to the transmission via the intermediate gear.