Multi-Speed Transmission Layout for Compact Electric Powertrains
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of packaging multiple gear trains in vehicle transmissions is exacerbated by reduced available space, necessitating a transmission with multiple gear trains and reduced packaging size.
Innovation Solution
A multi-speed transmission design featuring an input section with input speed reduction gearsets, an intermediate section with clutches and gears, and an output section with high and low clutches, arranged in either a short or long drop layout within a transmission housing, allowing for reduced gear spread and smaller component sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple gear trains are included in the transmission to accommodate torque transfer from electric motors, then the transmission can handle electric powertrain requirements, but the packaging size increases and available space is exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple gear trains (first and second gear trains) into a single integrated transmission housing, merging their functions while maintaining their individual torque multiplication capabilities. This allows the transmission to handle electric motor torque requirements while consolidating the overall packaging footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent arranges the first and second gear trains in different spatial dimensions within the housing, with the first gear train positioned above the second gear train. This vertical stacking approach reduces the horizontal packaging footprint while maintaining all necessary gear train functions for electric powertrain torque transfer.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the transmission housing is modified to accommodate different layouts, then the transmission can be adapted to various vehicle architectures, but the complexity of manufacturing and assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission housing is designed with universal mounting features and standardized interfaces that allow the same housing to accommodate different gear train layouts (first gear train above second gear train, or vice versa) and adapt to various vehicle powertrain architectures without requiring custom housing modifications for each application.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems are provided for a transmission system. In one example, a multi-speed transmission includes an input section comprising a plurality of input speed reduction gearsets, an intermediate section comprising a plurality of clutches and gears configured to generate different speeds, and an output section comprising a high clutch and a low clutch, wherein each of the sections is arranged in the transmission housing, wherein a layout of the sections is arranged in a short drop layout with a first distance between an input shaft of the input section and an output shaft of the output section or in a long drop layout with a second distance between the input shaft and the output shaft, wherein the second distance is greater than the first.