Hybrid Transmission Hydraulic Circuit Pump Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid vehicles require complex and costly transmission systems with two redundant pumps to maintain hydraulic pressure and cooling, leading to inefficiencies and increased complexity.
Innovation Solution
A dual clutch transmission system with a hydraulic circuit using a first pump driven by the internal combustion engine and a second pump driven by the electric motor, featuring check valves that allow both pumps to operate together when necessary to maintain hydraulic pressure and cooling, enabling the use of a smaller capacity first pump.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two separate pumps are employed in hybrid vehicles to maintain hydraulic pressure under all operating conditions, then sufficient pressurized fluid supply is ensured, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate pump systems into a single integrated pump that serves both the internal combustion engine and electric motor operations. This unified pump design eliminates the need for redundant pump components while maintaining sufficient hydraulic pressure supply for both power sources, directly reducing system complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The single pump is designed with multi-functionality to operate effectively during both internal combustion engine-driven modes and electric motor-driven modes. The pump can switch between different operational states to provide adequate hydraulic pressure for transmission actuation and cooling regardless of which power source is active, replacing the need for separate dedicated pumps.
2Reliability
If two redundant pumps of similar size and capacity are used alternatively, then hydraulic pressure is maintained under all conditions, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of manufacturing two separate pump assemblies, the patent integrates the functionality of both pumps into a single manufactured unit. This reduces manufacturing costs by eliminating duplicate production processes, materials, and assembly operations while maintaining the reliability of hydraulic pressure maintenance through the unified pump's ability to adapt to different operating conditions.
3Reliability
If two alternating pumps are employed depending on power source, then hydraulic fluid supply is ensured, but system inefficiency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single pump is designed with dynamic operational characteristics that allow it to adapt its performance based on real-time operating conditions. The pump can adjust its output and operational state depending on whether the internal combustion engine or electric motor is active, eliminating the energy inefficiencies associated with alternating between two fixed-performance pumps and reducing overall system energy loss.
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 reduces the cost and complexity of the transmission system while ensuring efficient hydraulic fluid supply and cooling, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing the need for redundant pumps.
Implementation Method 1
A pair of check valves are disposed in series and in fluid communication with the second pump
Implementation Method 2
The first pump is operable to supply pressurized fluid to the actuator circuit and the cooling circuit when the vehicle is operatively driven by the internal combustion engine
Implementation Method 3
The second pump acts to supply pressurized fluid to the cooling circuit when the first pump is operatively driven by the internal combustion engine under certain predetermined conditions
Implementation Method 4
a hydraulic circuit having a source of pressurized fluid and further including an actuation circuit that delivers pressurized fluid used to actuate components of the transmission as well as a cooling circuit that delivers pressurized fluid used to cool components of the transmission
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
An automatic transmission for a hybrid vehicle includes a hydraulic circuit (110) having a source of pressurized fluid (112), an actuation circuit (114) that delivers pressurized fluid to actuate components of the transmission, and a cooling circuit (116) used to cool components of the transmission. The source of pressurized fluid includes a first pump (134) that is operatively driven by the internal combustion engine of the hybrid vehicle and a second pump (136) that is operatively driven by the electric motor (138). The second pump (136) acts to supply pressurized fluid to the cooling circuit (116) when the first pump (134) is operatively driven by the internal combustion engine under certain predetermined conditions.