Electromagnetic Variator Transmission With Nested Rotors and Power Split
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle transmissions with electromagnetic variators face challenges in achieving a large range of transmission ratios while minimizing power ratings and costs, due to the spatial requirements and high mechanical complexity of back-to-back electric machines.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates an electromagnetic variator with an overlapping arrangement of inner and outer rotors, allowing for variable torque transmission ratios through an electric power path, and a power split gear set that enables multiple operating modes to optimize power flows and reduce electric component ratings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If back-to-back electric machines are used to provide variable transmission ratios, then the transmission can achieve a range of transmission ratios, but the space occupied by the electric machines becomes large and the mechanical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two electric machines into a single integrated unit with a shared stator and overlapping rotors. The first rotor of the first electric machine and the second rotor of the second electric machine are arranged in an overlapping configuration, sharing a common stator structure. This consolidation reduces the overall space occupation and mechanical complexity while maintaining the capability to provide a range of transmission ratios through coordinated control of the two electric machines.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested configuration where one rotor is at least partially received within the other rotor. Specifically, the first rotor is arranged to be at least partially received in the second rotor, creating a compact nested structure. This nesting approach significantly reduces the spatial footprint of the electric machines while preserving their functional capabilities for variable transmission ratio control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If back-to-back electric machines are used to provide variable transmission ratios, then the transmission can achieve a range of transmission ratios, but the power ratings of the motors and power converters must be high
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the two electric machines into a shared stator structure, the patent enables more efficient power utilization. The overlapping rotor configuration allows for better magnetic flux utilization and reduced power losses, which decreases the required power ratings of the motors and power converters while maintaining the full range of transmission ratio variability.
3Volume of moving object
If the rotors are arranged in an overlapping manner with a common stator, then the space occupation is reduced, but the electromagnetic complexity and control difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The nested rotor arrangement within the shared stator creates a compact electromagnetic structure. By carefully designing the magnetic circuit and winding configurations for the overlapping rotors, the patent achieves space reduction while managing electromagnetic complexity through systematic design approaches that maintain controllability.
4Power
If an electromagnetic power path is added directly between the rotors, then the power ratings for power converter and battery can be lowered, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates an electromagnetic power path directly between the overlapping rotors of the two electric machines. This direct coupling allows for power exchange between the rotors without requiring full power conversion through the battery and power converter, thereby reducing their required power ratings. The integrated design incorporates this power path as part of the unified electric machine structure, managing the associated complexity through the merged architecture.
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
This configuration increases the range of possible transmission ratios, reduces the required power ratings of electric components, and lowers costs by allowing for selective power paths and operating modes, resulting in a more efficient and cost-effective transmission system.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic variator having a stator, an outer rotor and an inner rotor; wherein the inner rotor is at least partially received in the outer rotor and the electromagnetic variator is configured to provide variable torque transmission ratios between the outer rotor and inner rotor
Implementation Method 2
at least one power split gear set having a plurality of members and operatively connected between said input member and said output member
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a transmission for a vehicle having a power source, the transmission comprising:an input member for receiving power from the power source;an output member for outputting power to at least one component of the vehicle;at least one power split gear set having a plurality of members and operatively connected between said input member and said output member;an electromagnetic variator having a stator, an outer rotor and an inner rotor;wherein the inner rotor is at least partially received in the outer rotor and the electromagnetic variator is configured to provide variable torque transmission ratios between the outer rotor and inner rotor; andwherein said first and second rotors are each operatively connectable to different ones of said members of said power split gear set and are each operatively connectable to the input member to be driven thereby.