Hybrid Transmission Nested Sub-Transmissions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle transmission systems require large installation space and are heavy due to their design, particularly when incorporating both internal combustion engines and electric machines in a hybrid configuration.
Innovation Solution
A transmission system design featuring a first sub-transmission as a spur gear drive and a second sub-transmission as a planetary transmission, with a freely positionable countershaft and shift elements that allow for various gear configurations, including winding-path gears and direct drive modes, to optimize space and functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional spur gear drive transmission is used with multiple gearwheels and countershaft, then all desired gear stages can be achieved, but the installation space requirement increases and weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing the first sub-transmission (spur gear drive) and second sub-transmission (planetary transmission) in a nested configuration where the planetary transmission is positioned within or adjacent to the spur gear drive structure. The countershaft of the first sub-transmission is freely positionable and can be arranged to mesh with gearwheels on the output shaft without requiring additional installation space, effectively nesting multiple transmission functions in a compact arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes dimensional optimization by allowing the countershaft to be freely positioned in space rather than constrained to a fixed position. This enables the transmission system to achieve all desired gear stages through optimized spatial arrangement of gearwheels and shafts in three-dimensional space, reducing the overall footprint and installation space requirement while maintaining full gear stage functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional spur gear drive transmission is used with multiple gearwheels and countershaft, then all desired gear stages can be achieved, but the weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nested arrangement of the first sub-transmission and second sub-transmission allows shared structural components and overlapping functional elements, reducing the total material required. The planetary transmission can be positioned to share space with the spur gear drive structure, eliminating redundant components and reducing overall transmission weight while maintaining all desired gear stages.
Solution Approach 2:
By optimizing the spatial arrangement of transmission components in three-dimensional space rather than using a conventional linear layout, the patent reduces the total volume and mass of structural support required. The freely positionable countershaft enables compact positioning of heavy gearwheels and shafts, minimizing material usage and reducing overall transmission weight.
3Area of stationary object
If the countershaft is freely positionable and meshes only with coaxial gearwheels, then installation space is reduced, but the gear ratio range may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the transmission system into two independent sub-transmissions: a first sub-transmission (spur gear drive) and a second sub-transmission (planetary transmission). Each sub-transmission can be independently optimized for its specific function, with the first handling certain gear stages and the second handling others. This segmentation allows the freely positionable countershaft to achieve compact positioning while the combined system maintains the full required gear ratio range through the complementary gear stages of both sub-transmissions.
Solution Approach 2:
The output shaft serves multiple functions by receiving gearwheels from both the first sub-transmission and the second sub-transmission. The freely positionable countershaft can be optimized for compact positioning while the multi-functional output shaft integrates gear stages from both sub-transmissions, ensuring the complete gear ratio range is achieved despite the spatial constraints of the freely positionable countershaft design.
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 design achieves a compact and efficient transmission system that reduces installation space requirements while providing all desired gear stages and enabling electrodynamic starting operations even when the electrical energy accumulator is dead, with the option for purely electric powershifts and improved operational flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
a second sub-transmission for the second prime mover, which includes the second input shaft and a planetary transmission with a sun gear, a ring gear, and a carrier
Implementation Method 2
a first sub-transmission for the first prime mover, including the first input shaft and a countershaft coupled to the first input shaft via a constant ratio, wherein gearwheels are arranged on the countershaft, which mesh exclusively into gearwheels arranged coaxially to the first input shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A transmission (2) of a motor vehicle includes a first input shaft (7) for a first prime mover (3), a second input shaft (8) for a second prime mover (4), and an output shaft (9). A first sub-transmission (5) includes the first input shaft (7) and a countershaft (11) coupled to the first input shaft (7) via a constant ratio. Gearwheels (16, 17, 18) are arranged on the countershaft (11), which mesh exclusively into gearwheels (12, 13, 15) arranged coaxially to the first input shaft (7). At least some of these gearwheels (14, 15) mesh into gearwheels (20, 21) arranged on the output shaft (9). Shift elements (A, B, C, D) are associated with the first input shaft (7) as well as with the countershaft (11), which provide either a gear with a first number of instances of gearwheel meshing or a winding-path gear with a second number of instances of gearwheel meshing. A second sub-transmission (6) includes the second input shaft (8) and is designed as a planetary transmission. A ring gear (22) forms the second input shaft (8) of the second sub-transmission (6). A carrier (23) is permanently coupled to the output shaft (9) and to a gearwheel (18) arranged on the countershaft (11). Shift elements (F, E) are associated with the planetary transmission, via which, a sun gear (24) is fixedly connectable to the housing or the planetary transmission is bringable into direct drive.