Powertrain Architecture Optimization for Hybrid Design Complexity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Designing powertrains, especially hybrid powertrains with multiple power sources, is complex due to varying architectures and energy domains, making it challenging to assess and compare different designs objectively without bias.
Innovation Solution
A computer-based design tool that uses a generic powertrain component library to generate and optimize powertrain architectures by configuring component models, coupling models, and evaluating candidate architectures based on load requirements and architecture constraints, allowing for unbiased consideration of various design solutions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple power sources are used in hybrid powertrains, then powertrain performance and versatility are improved, but design complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The design tool segments the powertrain design problem into discrete configurable component models (power sources, power sinks, coupling elements) with standardized interfaces. Each component can be independently configured and evaluated, allowing complex hybrid powertrains to be broken down into manageable modules that can be systematically analyzed and optimized.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal component library where powertrain components are modeled with standardized effort and flow interfaces that can represent multiple energy domains (mechanical, electrical, thermal). This universal modeling framework allows the same component models to represent different types of power sources and sinks, reducing design complexity while maintaining versatility.
2Productivity
If traditional design methods are used, then design process is simpler, but design assessment is biased and may miss optimal solutions
Solution Approach 1:
The design tool implements automated feedback mechanisms that evaluate candidate powertrain architectures against objectively defined performance criteria and constraints. The system provides feedback on design suitability based on standardized metrics, eliminating human bias and enabling systematic comparison of multiple design alternatives to identify optimal solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses standardized component models and templates that can be replicated and configured for different powertrain designs. These reusable models allow consistent evaluation across multiple design scenarios, ensuring that assessment accuracy is maintained while productivity increases through automated generation and comparison of candidate architectures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If comprehensive component libraries are used, then design coverage and options increase, but system complexity and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The component models use configurable parameters to represent different component variants and specifications. By changing parameters within standardized model frameworks rather than using entirely different models, the system achieves comprehensive design coverage while managing complexity through parameterization rather than proliferation of model structures.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer implemented design tool configured to design a powertrain is provided. The design tool utilises and input file comprising architecture selection constraints and load requirements for the powertrain to be designed along with a generic powertrain component library. The generic powertrain component library comprises configurable models of powertrain components. The design tool generates candidate powertrain architectures based on the input file and the generic powertrain component library. The design tool also generated candidate parameters for each of the components in each candidate powertrain architecture. The design tool is configured to calculate optimised component parameters for each candidate powertrain architecture. The design tool then outputs an optimised powertrain architecture based on the candidate powertrain architectures evaluated.