Parallel Electric Motor Torque Multiplication for Hybrid Vehicle Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Saddle type hybrid vehicles face challenges in improving transmission efficiency, reducing power consumption by the electric motor, and integrating the electric motor with the existing internal combustion engine layout, while maintaining low cost and fuel economy, especially at low speeds and high torque conditions.
Innovation Solution
A detachably mounted torque multiplying system using a small capacity electric motor connected in parallel with the internal combustion engine, utilizing a gear train mechanism for torque multiplication and regenerative braking, with minimal modifications to the existing vehicle layout, allowing for easy attachment and detachment of the electric motor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If an electric motor is integrated into the hybrid vehicle transmission system, then torque assistance and fuel economy are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission system is divided into two independent parallel paths: one for the internal combustion engine and another for the electric motor. Each path has its own transmission mechanism, allowing independent operation and simplifying the overall integration. The electric motor assembly can be attached or detached without affecting the engine transmission system.
Solution Approach 2:
The electric motor assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: providing torque assistance during acceleration, enabling regenerative braking, and operating independently for short-distance travel. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering multiple benefits from a single integrated component.
2Force
If a transmission system is designed for hybrid vehicles with electric motor integration, then torque assistance is improved, but transmission losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission system dynamically switches between engine-only mode, motor-assist mode, and regenerative braking mode based on real-time operating conditions. The controller monitors vehicle speed, acceleration demands, and battery state to optimize the power source selection, minimizing energy losses in each operating scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the energy that would normally be lost during braking into useful electrical energy through regenerative braking. The electric motor acts as a generator during deceleration, capturing kinetic energy and storing it in the battery, thereby transforming what would be waste energy into a useful resource.
3Ease of operation
If an electric motor is added to provide torque assistance, then operability at low speeds is improved, but vehicle weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than using a large electric motor that would provide excessive torque and increase weight, the system uses a smaller electric motor that provides just enough assistance for low-speed operability and short-distance travel. The motor size is optimized to provide adequate support without unnecessary weight penalty.
4Reliability
If the electric motor is permanently integrated into the vehicle, then torque assistance reliability is improved, but ease of repair and serviceability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The electric motor assembly is designed as a separate, detachable unit that can be easily removed from the vehicle frame. This segmentation allows the motor to be serviced, repaired, or replaced independently without disassembling the entire transmission system or affecting the engine 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
This solution enhances fuel economy, reduces transmission losses, and provides improved operability with low vehicle weight and cost, while maintaining efficient torque assistance and easy serviceability.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor to provide rotary motion output
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a gear train mechanism for torque multiplication
Implementation Method 3
regenerative braking
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
The present invention discloses a saddle type vehicle (100) having an IC engine (101) and an electric motor unit (201). The IC engine (101) comprises an output shaft (415) configured to receive rotary motion from a crankshaft (407) and a first transmission mechanism (411, 412, 421, 413) interposed between the crankshaft (407) and the output shaft (415) for providing variable torque rotary motion output at the output shaft (415). The electric motor unit (201) comprising an electric motor (420) and a second transmission (450) is detachably mounted on an external surface of the IC engine (101). While the electric motor (420) which is operably connected to the output shaft (415) provides rotary motion to the output shaft (415), said second transmission mechanism (450) provides torque multiplication to said rotary motion. The electric motor unit (201) serves to provide independent and parallel rotary motion output assist at the output shaft (415) along with the IC engine (101). Presence of the electric motor unit (201) also permits said saddle type vehicle to be operated as a hybrid vehicle while involving minimal changes to existing vehicle layout.