Parallel-Shaft Powertrain Layout for High-Torque Compact Transmissions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing powertrain systems for vehicles and boats are bulky and heavy due to the need for large clutches and transmissions to handle high power and torque, lacking versatility in torque and power modulation, and are inefficient in energy use, especially when combining endothermic and electric engines.
Innovation Solution
A compact powertrain design with parallel drive shafts, a clutch assembly, and a gearbox that allows selective connection/disconnection of engines to a common output shaft, using idle gears and multiple transmission ratios to manage torque and power delivery, enabling independent operation of endothermic and electric engines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If two high-power engines are combined with a single transmission system to handle total power, then power output is increased, but the size and mass of the clutch and transmission become excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission system is segmented into two independent transmission assemblies, each handling one engine's power separately. This allows each transmission to be sized for single-engine power rather than total combined power, significantly reducing the overall mass and size of the transmission system while maintaining the capability to handle high total power output when both engines operate simultaneously.
2Power
If a single transmission handles the sum of torques from two engines, then power transmission capability is sufficient, but the clutch and gears must be oversized to support total power
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission system is divided into two separate transmission assemblies, each with its own clutch and gear set. Each assembly is independently sized to handle the power and torque of a single engine, eliminating the need for oversized components that would be required if a single transmission had to handle the combined power of both engines.
Solution Approach 2:
The two transmission assemblies are arranged in a spatial configuration where they operate in parallel but occupy different spatial dimensions. This allows the system to achieve the power transmission capability of handling total combined power while keeping each individual transmission assembly compact and appropriately sized for single-engine loads.
3Power
If conventional transmission designs are used for high-power applications, then power handling is sufficient, but the system becomes bulky and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the transmission system into two independent assemblies, each can be designed and manufactured as a standard single-engine transmission unit. This modular approach reduces manufacturing complexity and cost compared to designing and building a custom oversized single transmission system, while still achieving the required high total power handling capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission assemblies are designed with universal applicability, where each assembly can independently handle power from either engine. This multi-functional design allows the same standardized transmission components to be used in different configurations and power scenarios, reducing the need for specialized expensive components and simplifying manufacturing.
Data Source
AI summary
A compact powertrain, comprises a first engine and a second engine and means for rotationally connecting said engines to a common output shaft; the engines have drive shafts with axles parallel to each other; connection means between said drive shafts and an output shaft, moreover, they comprise first coupling means on said first drive shaft for connecting said first drive shaft to the output shaft, and second coupling means for connecting said second drive shaft to said output shaft; the delivery of the rotational torque and power is controlled by the adjustment of each engine and said coupling means, being adapted to selectively connect/disconnect said drive shafts from said output shaft; the means for connecting the rotation of the two engines, left and right, to the output shaft comprise a clutch assembly and a gearbox; the clutch assembly is provided with a single clutch for drive shaft which connects or disconnects the respective drive shaft with a corresponding input and transmission shaft inside the gearbox; the common output shaft, of the rotation from the compact powertrain, rotates receiving motion by means of pairs of gears present respectively on one said transmission shaft, inside the gearbox, and on the output shaft, with the selective insertion or disengagement of the clutches and, depending on the rotational speed, of coupling engagements on the transmission shafts and of said gears present on said shafts; and it has one or more idle gears on the output shaft controlled by the rotation with at least one coupling engagement to the output shaft to receive the rotation, with the engagement inserted, or, when disengaged, transmit the rotation from one transmission shaft towards the other transmission shaft without any action on the output shaft.Entirely endothermic, hybrid or electrical embodiments are described for both land vehicles of all kinds and boats.