Modular Vehicle Power System with Planetary Gearset
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a demand for a power system for vehicles that can be implemented with high modularity and low complexity, capable of efficiently combining different engine types such as combustion engines and electric motors, while allowing for flexible drive modes like front wheel drive, rear wheel drive, and all-wheel drive.
Innovation Solution
A modular power system comprising a combustion engine, two electric machines, and a mode selection device with multiple positions, allowing the electric machines to be coupled with different power train sections and wheel sets, enabling flexible drive modes through a planetary gearset and clutches, with the ability to switch between drive modes and optimize efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple engines and power train sections are combined to enable flexible drive modes, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power system is divided into modular power train sections (first power train section 4, second power train section 5, third power train section 6) that can be independently configured and combined. Each section can be selectively coupled to the planetary gearset 7 through clutches, allowing flexible drive mode selection without requiring a completely complex integrated system. This modular segmentation enables adaptability while managing complexity through standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The planetary gearset 7 serves multiple functions by accepting power input from different power train sections and distributing it to different wheel sets. The same gearset structure enables front wheel drive, rear wheel drive, and all-wheel drive modes, providing universal power distribution capability across multiple drive configurations without requiring separate transmission systems for each mode.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a combustion engine and electric machines are combined in a hybrid power system, then adaptability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hybrid power system is segmented into separate functional modules: combustion engine 1 with its power train section 4, electric machine 2 with power train section 5, and electric machine 3 with power train section 6. Each module can be manufactured and tested independently before assembly, simplifying the manufacturing process compared to integrated hybrid systems. The modular architecture allows traditional manufacturing methods for each engine type while achieving hybrid versatility through systematic integration.
Data Source
AI summary
A power system for a vehicle comprising: a first engine, a second motor/generator, and a third motor/generator. The system further comprising: a first gearset with a first power train section coupled to an input side of the first gearset and a second power train section coupled to an output side of the first gearset. A mode selection device comprising at least two positions: a first position of the mode selection device coupling the third motor/generator to the first power train section, and a second position coupling third motor/generator to the second power train section. A clutch selectively connecting the first machine and the first power train section.