Hybrid Drive Layout With Post-Gearbox E-Motor for Commercial Vehicles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Commercial vehicles require high-torque electric motors which are expensive and not suitable for integration into conventional hybrid drive systems, while sports cars' electric motors are less expensive but not compatible with commercial vehicle designs.

Innovation Solution

A hybrid drive system for commercial vehicles that positions the electric motor kinematically behind the gearbox, using an adapter transmission to accommodate powerful electric motors from sports cars, allowing for efficient power flow and integration with an internal combustion engine.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If high-torque electric motors are used in commercial vehicle hybrid drives, then the torque requirement is met, but the cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovetorqueVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

An adapter transmission is introduced as an intermediary component between the electric motor and the drive axle. This adapter transmission enables the use of lower-cost electric motors by providing the necessary torque multiplication and speed adaptation, eliminating the need for expensive high-torque motors while meeting the commercial vehicle's torque requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operating parameters of the electric motor by using an adapter transmission to transform the motor's output characteristics. The adapter transmission converts the high-speed, low-torque output of standard electric motors into the low-speed, high-torque output required by commercial vehicles, allowing the use of cheaper motors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If electric motors from sports cars are used, then the cost decreases, but the compatibility with commercial vehicle hybrid drive systems is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecostVSAvoidcompatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter transmission serves as a mediator that bridges the incompatibility between sports car electric motors and commercial vehicle hybrid drive systems. It adapts the motor characteristics to match the requirements of the hybrid drive system, enabling compatibility while maintaining cost advantages.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter transmission provides universal adaptability, allowing standard electric motors from various applications (including sports cars) to be integrated into commercial vehicle hybrid drives. It performs multiple functions including torque multiplication, speed adaptation, and system compatibility bridging.

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

3Ease of operation

If the electric motor is positioned kinematically in front of the gearbox, then the conventional hybrid drive layout is maintained, but mechanical losses increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconventional layoutVSAvoidmechanical losses
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional arrangement by positioning the electric motor kinematically behind the gearbox instead of in front. This inversion allows the electric motor to drive the gearbox directly, eliminating the need for an additional clutch and reducing mechanical losses in the power transmission path.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentEP3246187B1Hybrid drive for a motor vehicle, in particular for a commercial vehicle
Publication Date: 2025.11.12 MAN TRUCK & BUS SE
  • EP3246187B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3246187B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a hybrid drive for a motor vehicle, in particular for a commercial vehicle, in particular for a truck or a bus, with a drive axle (8), an internal combustion engine (2) for driving the motor vehicle on the drive axle (8) and with a manual transmission (3rd ) between the internal combustion engine (2) and the drive axle (8) and with an electric motor (9) for driving the motor vehicle on the drive axle (8). It is proposed that the electric motor (9) be arranged kinematically behind the gearbox (3).