Integrated Hybrid Powertrain Layout Without Transmission or Differential
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid vehicles with conventional Internal Combustion Engines (ICE) and electrical systems are more expensive and less efficient due to the addition of electrical components, which are often retrofitted to existing ICEs.
Innovation Solution
A Dedicated Hybrid Engine (DHE) integrates electric motors and generators with the ICE, eliminating the need for a transmission and differential, and allowing for multiple power modes including electric-only operation to reduce emissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If electrical systems are added to conventional ICE to create hybrid vehicles, then emissions are reduced, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrical system and ICE into a single integrated hybrid powertrain assembly. The electric motors are positioned within the engine bay and coupled to the crankshaft, while the battery pack is integrated into the vehicle floor. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components and simplifies manufacturing processes, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining emission reduction benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated hybrid powertrain assembly serves multiple functions: the ICE generates mechanical power, the electric motors provide auxiliary power and enable regenerative braking, and the battery pack stores and releases electrical energy. This multi-functionality allows the system to reduce emissions through electric-only operation and regenerative braking while maintaining cost-effectiveness through a unified design that eliminates the need for separate retrofit components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electrical systems are retrofitted to existing ICEs, then hybrid functionality is achieved, but system efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the ICE and electrical systems into a single integrated assembly where the electric motors are mechanically coupled to the crankshaft and the battery pack is positioned to minimize energy loss. This integration allows for optimized power transfer and reduced energy losses compared to retrofit configurations, while maintaining full hybrid functionality including electric-only mode and regenerative braking.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated hybrid powertrain assembly is designed with pre-positioned electric motors, generators, and battery pack connections that are optimized for efficient power transfer before the vehicle is assembled. This preliminary configuration ensures that energy losses are minimized from the outset, rather than requiring post-assembly modifications that would increase energy loss.
3Power
If multiple electrical components are added to create hybrid systems, then power capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple electrical components (electric motors, generators, battery pack) into a single integrated hybrid powertrain assembly. The electric motors are positioned within the engine bay and coupled to the crankshaft, while the battery pack is integrated into the vehicle floor. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall system architecture, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining improved power capability through coordinated operation of all components.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional ICE is used without hybrid systems, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the ICE with electrical components to create an integrated hybrid powertrain assembly that maintains cost-effectiveness through unified design and simplified manufacturing. The electric motors are positioned within the engine bay and coupled to the crankshaft, while the battery pack is integrated into the vehicle floor. This integration allows the system to reduce emissions through electric-only operation and regenerative braking while keeping manufacturing costs competitive with conventional ICE vehicles.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated hybrid powertrain assembly converts the harmful emissions from the ICE into beneficial outcomes through regenerative braking, where kinetic energy is captured and stored in the battery pack. This approach reduces overall emissions while maintaining cost-effectiveness through a unified design that leverages existing infrastructure and 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 DHE provides a cost-effective and efficient hybrid system by integrating electrical components cohesively with the ICE, reducing emissions and improving efficiency through various power modes.
Implementation Method 1
The combustion chamber receives the air from the intake port and mixes the air with fuel to create an air and fuel mixture that is ignited to create the combustion reaction
Implementation Method 2
The piston actuates from the combustion reaction to rotate a crankshaft of the engine
Implementation Method 3
The first generator generates power when a first shaft of the first generator is rotated
Implementation Method 4
The second generator generates power when a second shaft of the second generator is rotated
Data Source
AI summary
A hybrid machine includes an engine, a first and second motor, a first and second generator, and a first and second geartrain. The engine generates power from a combustion reaction and includes an intake port, a combustion chamber, a piston, a crankshaft, and an exhaust port. The intake port receives air from an external environment. The combustion chamber mixes the air with fuel to create a mixture that is ignited. The piston actuates to rotate the crankshaft. The exhaust port delivers exhaust gases out of the engine. The first and second motors respectively include a first and second hub that rotate from supplied power. The first and second generators respectively generate power when a first and second shaft rotate. A first and second geartrain respectively connect to the first and second motors, the first and second generators, and the crankshaft to transmit power to a first and second wheel.