Inline Electromechanical Variable Transmission with Planetary Gear Sets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional vehicle transmissions are limited in their ability to efficiently and flexibly convert power across multiple operating modes, such as starting, low range, mid range, high range, and reverse, due to their mechanical design, which restricts adaptability and efficiency in various driving conditions.
Innovation Solution
A multi-mode inline electromechanical variable transmission system that includes two electromagnetic devices and planetary gear sets, allowing for selective reconfiguration between different operating modes by coupling and decoupling power through electromagnetic means, enabling efficient power transfer and conversion across various modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional mechanical transmissions are used, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the adaptability to different operating modes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission system is divided into multiple independent planetary gear sets (first, second, and third planetary gear sets), each capable of operating in different modes. This segmentation allows the system to achieve multiple operating modes (starting, low range, mid range, high range, reverse) by selectively engaging different gear sets, thereby improving adaptability while managing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission system employs universal electromagnetic devices (motors and generators) that can function in multiple roles - as motors during starting and low range modes, and as generators during power generation modes. These electromagnetic devices are coupled to multiple planetary gear sets, enabling a single component to serve multiple functions across different operating modes, enhancing versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple planetary gear sets are used, then the adaptability to operating modes improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple planetary gear sets are merged into a single integrated transmission system with shared components. The first, second, and third planetary gear sets are coupled together through common electromagnetic devices and power flow paths, allowing them to operate as a coordinated unit. This merging approach enables multiple operating modes while reducing overall complexity compared to having completely separate transmission systems for each mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission system employs dynamic engagement and disengagement of electromagnetic devices to different planetary gear sets based on operating conditions. The control system can selectively couple motors and generators to different gear sets in real-time, enabling smooth transitions between operating modes (starting, low range, mid range, high range, reverse) without mechanical shifting, thereby managing complexity through dynamic control rather than static mechanical configurations.
3Loss of energy
If electromagnetic devices are directly coupled to planetary gear sets, then power transfer efficiency improves, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic devices (motors and generators) are extracted as separate, pre-assembled units that are then coupled to the planetary gear sets. This extraction allows the electromagnetic components to be manufactured and tested independently, simplifying the overall manufacturing process. The direct coupling is achieved through standardized interfaces, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining high power transfer efficiency by eliminating intermediate mechanical transmission components.
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 enhanced adaptability and efficiency across multiple operating modes, improving vehicle performance by allowing for high torque at low speeds, efficient power generation, and smooth shifting between modes, thus overcoming the limitations of traditional mechanical transmissions.
Implementation Method 1
a first electromagnetic device directly coupled to the first planetary gear set and including a first shaft, a second electromagnetic device directly coupled to the second planetary gear set and including a second shaft
Implementation Method 2
a first planetary gear set, a second planetary gear set directly coupled to the first planetary gear set
Data Source
AI summary
A drive system for a vehicle includes a first planetary gear set, a second planetary gear set directly coupled to the first planetary gear set, a first electromagnetic device directly coupled to the first planetary gear set and including a first shaft, a second electromagnetic device directly coupled to the second planetary gear set and including a second shaft, and an output shaft coupled to the first planetary gear set. The first shaft and the second shaft are radially aligned with the first planetary gear set and the second planetary gear set. The output shaft is radially aligned with the first planetary gear set and the second planetary gear set.