Power Take-Off Mechanism With Torque Multiplication for Smaller MGU

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Solution Overview

Problem

In vehicle powertrain systems, dedicated electric machines for providing secondary output torque to auxiliary devices add weight and inefficiency, as they are typically required to achieve greater torque and power output.

Innovation Solution

A power take-off mechanism is introduced, which includes an electrically powered torque generating device with a torque converter and a power take-off module, allowing for selective disengagement and torque multiplication, enabling the use of a smaller motor-generator unit while maintaining performance across various speed ranges.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If a second dedicated electric machine is used to provide secondary output torque for auxiliary devices, then the required torque and power output is achieved, but the vehicle weight increases and system inefficiency occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecondary output torqueVSAvoidvehicle weight

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The torque generating device output shaft is designed to serve dual functions: driving the transmission system for vehicle propulsion and simultaneously powering auxiliary devices through the power take-off module. This eliminates the need for a dedicated second electric machine, reducing vehicle weight while maintaining the required secondary torque capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the power transmission path and the power take-off path into a single integrated system. The torque generating device output shaft connects to both the transmission and the power take-off module, merging what would traditionally be separate power sources into one unified system that efficiently delivers power to multiple outputs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Power

If a second dedicated electric machine is used to provide secondary output torque, then the torque requirement is met, but system inefficiency increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecondary output torqueVSAvoidsystem inefficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The torque generating device serves multiple functions simultaneously - providing primary torque to the transmission for vehicle motion and delivering secondary torque to auxiliary devices. This eliminates the energy losses associated with having a separate dedicated electric machine that would operate independently and require its own control and power management system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The power take-off module enables continuous utilization of the torque generating device output for both propulsion and auxiliary power needs. By continuously extracting power from the same source that drives the transmission, the system maintains efficient energy utilization without the interruptions and losses that would occur with a separate dedicated machine.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Weight of moving object

If torque multiplication is utilized at lower speeds, then the motor-generator unit size is reduced, but the complexity of the powertrain system increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemotor-generator unit sizeVSAvoidpowertrain system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power take-off module acts as an intermediary mechanism between the torque generating device output shaft and the auxiliary devices. It provides the necessary torque multiplication at lower speeds through mechanical advantage, allowing the use of a smaller motor-generator unit while managing the added complexity through a dedicated modular component rather than redesigning the entire powertrain system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 reduces the size, weight, and cost of the motor-generator unit by utilizing torque multiplication at lower speeds, maintaining smooth drivability and performance at higher speeds without the need for a larger motor-generator, and allows independent operation of auxiliary devices.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTorque multiplication: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentUS11821501B2System for a power take off mechanism for a powertrain system

Publication Date: 2023.11.21 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

A system for a power take-off mechanism for a powertrain system is provided. The system includes an electrically powered torque generating device including a torque generating device output shaft and a transmission output shaft receiving mechanical power from the torque generating device output shaft. The system further includes a clutch selectively disengaging the transmission output shaft from the torque generating device output shaft and a power take-off module receiving mechanical power from the torque generating device.