Hybrid Transmission Segmentation for Operating Mode Versatility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hybrid transmissions for motor vehicles lack a wide range of available operating modes, limiting their efficiency and versatility in power generation and utilization.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid transmission system with a mechanical gearbox connected to both an internal combustion engine and two electric machines, featuring secondary gearboxes that allow for various torque transmission and reception modes, enabling multiple operating modes such as non-hybrid, hybrid, purely electric, starting, generation, and kinetic energy recovery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single electric machine is connected to the gearbox, then the structure is simpler, but the range of operating modes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The hybrid transmission system is segmented into two independent electric machines: a first electric machine connected to the input shaft and a second electric machine connected to the output shaft. This segmentation allows each electric machine to operate independently in different modes (traction, generation, starting), thereby expanding the overall range of operating modes without requiring a completely complex integrated design
Solution Approach 2:
Each electric machine is designed with multi-functionality to perform multiple roles. The first electric machine can function as a starting motor, generator, or traction motor. The second electric machine can function as a traction motor or generator. This universal design enables the system to achieve diverse operating modes (non-hybrid, hybrid, purely electric, starting, generation, kinetic energy recovery) while maintaining relatively simple individual component structures
2Adaptability or versatility
If the electric machine is permanently connected to the gearbox shaft, then torque transmission is reliable, but operational flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between electric machines and gearbox shafts is designed to be dynamic rather than static. The first electric machine is selectively connectable to the input shaft, and the second electric machine is selectively connectable to the output shaft. This dynamic connection allows the system to adapt the torque transmission paths according to different operating conditions (e.g., connecting only when traction is needed, disconnecting during pure ICE operation), thereby achieving operational flexibility while maintaining reliability when connections are engaged
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
The system provides a broader range of operating modes, enhancing efficiency and versatility by allowing the electric machines to assist the internal combustion engine in torque generation and energy recovery, improving vehicle performance and energy management.
Implementation Method 1
first electric machine (14) connected to an input (24) of the main gearbox (12) so as to be able to exchange torque with the internal combustion engine of the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
second electric machine (16) connected to an output (26) of the main gearbox (12) so as to be able to exchange torque with the vehicle wheels
Implementation Method 3
generation of electric power for the vehicle batteries using the energy recovered from the kinetic energy of the vehicle
Data Source
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AI summary
The transmission (10) comprises a main gearbox (12), a first electric machine (14) and a second electric machine (16). The main gearbox (12) is a mechanical gearbox with a plurality of gears and comprises a primary shaft (24) adapted to be connected to a shaft of the internal combustion engine of the vehicle and a secondary shaft (26) adapted to be connected to the vehicle wheels. The transmission (10) further comprises a first coupling de- vice (74) interposed between the first electric machine (14) and the primary shaft (24) and a second coupling device (74) interposed between the second electric machine (16) and the secondary shaft (26). The first electric machine (14) is releasably connected, through the first coupling device (74), to the primary shaft (24) by means of a first connection gear set (56, 60, 62) including a first gearwheel (60) mounted on the primary shaft (24). The second electric machine (16) is releasably connected, through the second coupling device (74), to the secondary shaft (26) by means of a second connection gear set (64, 68, 70) including a second gearwheel (68) mounted on the secondary shaft (26). The transmission (10) further comprises a first secondary gearbox (28) with two or more gears interposed between the first electric machine (14) and the first gearwheel (60), and a second secondary gearbox (30) with two or more gears interposed between the second electric machine (16) and the second gearwheel (68).