Inline Electromechanical Variable Transmission

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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 can result in inefficiencies and limitations in vehicle performance and fuel efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A multi-mode inline electromechanical variable transmission system that includes two electromagnetic devices and a planetary gear set, allowing for selective reconfiguration between various operating modes by adjusting the speed ratios and torque distribution using a clutch and actuator system, enabling efficient power transfer and conversion across different modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional mechanical transmissions are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the ability to efficiently convert power across multiple operating modes is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to convert power across multiple operating modesVSAvoidtransmission system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transmission system employs a single planetary gear set that can operate in multiple modes (starting, low range, mid range, high range, reverse) by selectively engaging different clutches and brakes, allowing one component to perform multiple functions that would traditionally require separate gear trains

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional multi-stage mechanical gear trains with an electromechanical system using electromagnetic devices (clutches and brakes) to control power flow, reducing mechanical complexity while enabling flexible mode switching between different operating conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple gears and gear trains are used to provide speed and torque conversions, then the transmission ratios are fixed, but the flexibility in adjusting speed ratios and torque distribution is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in adjusting speed ratiosVSAvoidgear train mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from fixed gear ratios to dynamically adjustable speed ratios by using electromagnetic clutches and brakes that can be selectively engaged and disengaged, allowing continuous adaptation of torque distribution and speed conversion ratios based on operating conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The planetary gear set is divided into multiple functional components (sun gear, planet gears, ring gear, carriers) that can be independently controlled through separate clutches and brakes, enabling flexible reconfiguration of power flow paths to achieve different transmission modes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If traditional transmissions are used, then the mechanical design is straightforward, but the fuel efficiency and vehicle performance are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel efficiencyVSAvoidtransmission system design

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical transmission control with an electromechanical control system using electromagnetic devices, enabling more efficient power management and mode selection that improves fuel efficiency while maintaining manageable system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 improved efficiency, flexibility, and performance by allowing the vehicle to operate in multiple modes with enhanced gradability, fuel efficiency, and reduced noise, while enabling electric power generation and storage, thus overcoming the limitations of traditional mechanical transmissions.

Implementation Method 1

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

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10935112B2Inline electromechanical variable transmission system

Publication Date: 2021.03.02 OSHKOSH CORPORATION

AI summary

A drive system includes a first planetary device, a second planetary device and a connecting shaft 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, a clutch positioned to selectively rotationally couple the second shaft to the connecting shaft, and an output shaft coupled to the first planetary device. The first planetary device, the second planetary device, the connecting shaft, the first shaft, the second shaft, and the output shaft are radially aligned. The connecting shaft extends through the second planetary device to the first planetary device. The second electromagnetic device is rotationally engaged with the first planetary device when the clutch is engaged.