Vehicle Powertrain Layout for Lubricant Flow and Torque Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing powertrain designs face challenges in efficiently packaging components while minimizing power losses and sedimentation of lubricants, particularly in heavy-duty vehicles, where lubricant flow and torque transmission are critical for performance and reliability.
Innovation Solution
The powertrain incorporates an eccentric configuration for the lubricant compartment, with a connecting interface that allows efficient lubricant flow between transmission housings, and includes multiple shafts for torque transfer, enabling simultaneous torque paths and reducing the risk of lubricant stagnation, while also allowing for different lubricant types and modular manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a conventional concentric configuration is used for the lubricant compartment, then the packaging is simpler, but lubricant flow efficiency deteriorates and sedimentation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by using an eccentric configuration where the shaft is offset from the center of the lubricant compartment. This creates an asymmetric geometry that prevents lubricant stagnation and sedimentation while maintaining packaging simplicity. The asymmetric design allows lubricant to flow continuously around the shaft without getting trapped in dead zones.
2Volume of moving object
If the transmission housings are tightly packaged, then space efficiency improves, but lubricant flow between housings is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the space-flow contradiction by changing the geometric arrangement from a conventional concentric layout to an eccentric configuration. This dimensional repositioning of the shaft creates optimized flow paths through the connecting interface between transmission housings, allowing efficient lubricant circulation within a compact volume.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple shafts are added for torque transfer, then torque management flexibility improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by designing the eccentric shaft configuration to serve multiple purposes: it transfers torque between gear sets while simultaneously optimizing lubricant flow patterns. The same eccentric geometry that enables flexible torque management also creates the flow paths needed for reliable lubricant circulation, reducing the need for additional dedicated components.
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosure relates to a powertrain (100) for a vehicle (200), comprising: - a transmission (T) and a differential gear (102) which are drivingly connected to each other, wherein the differential gear (102) is configured to be drivingly connected to driving wheels (120) of the vehicle (200); wherein the transmission (T) comprises a first set of gearwheels (T1) and a second set of gearwheels (T2), at least one gearwheel of the first set of gearwheels (T1) being drivingly connected to at least one gearwheel of the second set of gearwheels (T2) via at least a first shaft (S 1) which is configured to rotate about a first rotational axis (X1), wherein the first set of gearwheels (T1) is arranged on a first side of the differential gear (102) and the second set of gearwheels (T2) is arranged on a second opposite side of the differential gear (102). The disclosure also relates to a vehicle (200).