Inline Electromechanical Variable Transmission for Front Engine Applications
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional vehicle transmissions face inefficiencies in speed and torque conversions, particularly in providing a compact design that can replace traditional inline transmissions in front engine applications while offering multiple operating modes.
Innovation Solution
A multi-mode inline electromechanical variable transmission system incorporating a first and second electromagnetic device, along with planetary devices, allowing for selective reconfiguration between various operating modes, including neutral, low range, mid range, high range, and power generation modes, with a compact design for direct replacement of traditional transmissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional gears and gear trains are used for speed and torque conversions, then the transmission can provide multiple gear ratios, but the design becomes bulky and cannot be easily replaced in front engine applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical gear trains with an electromechanical system comprising electromagnetic devices (motors/generators) coupled to planetary devices. This substitution enables a compact inline transmission design that can be installed in front engine applications while providing multiple operating modes including neutral, low range, mid range, high range, and power generation modes through selective engagement of electromagnetic devices
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic devices in the transmission are configured to perform multiple functions: they can operate as motors to drive the output shaft, as generators to generate electrical energy from engine power, and be selectively engaged or disengaged to provide different operating modes. This multi-functionality allows a single compact device to replace traditional bulky gear train systems
2Ease of operation
If multiple gear ratios are provided through gears and gear trains, then speed and torque conversions are achieved, but the transmission mechanism becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical gear trains with electromagnetic devices that can be selectively engaged or disengaged through electrical control. The electromagnetic devices are coupled to planetary devices that provide different gear ratios, allowing mode switching to be achieved through selective engagement rather than complex mechanical shifting mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission employs planetary devices with carriers that can be selectively engaged or disengaged to change gear ratios. The electromagnetic devices can be dynamically engaged or disengaged from the planetary devices to switch between different operating modes, providing ease of operation through selective coupling rather than fixed mechanical gear trains
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 efficient speed and torque conversions, supports multiple operating modes, and offers a compact design suitable for front engine applications, enhancing vehicle performance and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
a first electromagnetic device at least selectively coupled to the first planetary device and including a first shaft
Implementation Method 2
a first planetary device, a second planetary device directly coupled to the first planetary device
Data Source
AI summary
A drive system for a vehicle includes a first planetary device, a second planetary device directly coupled to the first planetary device, a first electromagnetic device at least selectively coupled to the first planetary device and including a first shaft, a second electromagnetic device directly coupled to the second planetary device and including a second shaft, and an output shaft coupled to the first planetary device. The first shaft and the second shaft are radially aligned with the first planetary device and the second planetary device. The output shaft is radially aligned with the first planetary device and the second planetary device.