P2 Hybrid Drive Train Module Space Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

The integration of an electric machine and a friction clutch into a conventional drive train to create a P2 hybrid drive train requires significant installation space or complex component changes, leading to increased development and manufacturing costs.

Innovation Solution

A drive train module incorporating an input and output planetary gear with brakes, allowing the internal combustion engine and electric machine to be separably coupled and decoupled without moving components parallel to the crankshaft and transmission shaft, reducing installation space and costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an electric machine and friction clutch are integrated into a conventional drive train to create a P2 hybrid drive train, then hybrid drive functionality is achieved, but installation space requirements increase significantly or complex component changes are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehybrid drive functionalityVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the friction clutch and electric machine into a single integrated module that combines both functions. The clutch is positioned between the electric machine and the planetary gear set, allowing both components to share a common mounting structure and space, thereby reducing the overall installation space required compared to separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The planetary gear set serves multiple functions: it acts as both the transmission mechanism and the coupling/decoupling mechanism for the electric machine and internal combustion engine. The clutch serves dual purposes of engaging/disengaging the electric machine and managing torque flow between power sources, reducing the need for additional dedicated components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If an electric machine and friction clutch are integrated into a conventional drive train to create a P2 hybrid drive train, then hybrid drive functionality is achieved, but development and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehybrid drive functionalityVSAvoiddevelopment and manufacturing costs
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The drive train is segmented into modular components: the planetary gear set, the electric machine, and the clutch are designed as separate but integrable modules. This segmentation allows each component to be developed, tested, and manufactured independently using existing conventional technologies, reducing overall development costs while enabling flexible integration into the hybrid system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The planetary gear set acts as an intermediary mechanism that enables the integration of the electric machine and clutch into the conventional drive train without requiring fundamental redesign of either the electric machine or clutch components. This intermediary approach allows adaptation of existing components rather than complete redesign, reducing manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If a friction clutch is used to couple and decouple the electric machine, then separable connection is achieved, but the connection requires movement of components parallel to the crankshaft and transmission shaft, increasing installation space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling and decoupling capabilityVSAvoidinstallation space along crankshaft axis
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The clutch mechanism is designed to operate in a direction perpendicular to the crankshaft axis, utilizing the radial dimension rather than the axial dimension. This dimensional change allows the clutch to move radially to engage and disengage the electric machine, thereby avoiding the need for axial movement that would increase installation space along the crankshaft axis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

Enables a P2 hybrid drive train with no functional restrictions, requiring less installation space and lower manufacturing costs, while providing efficient coupling and decoupling mechanisms for the electric machine and vehicle transmission.

Implementation Method 1

a first brake, which brakes the third input planetary gear shaft when actuated, a second brake, which brakes the third output planetary gear shaft when actuated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2234832B1Drive train module and drive train for a motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2013.02.27 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP2234832B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2234832B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2234832B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a drive train module for a motor vehicle comprising an internal combustion engine and a vehicle transmission. Said drive train module encompasses an input planetary gear set with a first, second, and third planetary gear input shaft, the first planetary gear input shaft being designed to be connected in a rotationally fixed manner to a crankshaft of the internal combustion engine, and an output planetary gear set with a first, second, and third planetary gear output shaft, the first planetary gear output shaft being designed to be connected in a rotationally fixed manner to an input shaft of the vehicle transmission. The second planetary gear output shaft is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the second planetary gear input shaft. The drive train module further encompasses a first brake which decelerates the third planetary gear input shaft when actuated, a second brake which decelerates the third planetary gear output shaft, and an electric machine which is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the second planetary gear input shaft and the second planetary gear output shaft. The invention further relates to a drive train and a motor vehicle comprising such a drive train module.