Single-Clutch Transmission Layout for Seamless Multi-Ratio Shifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional transmissions and powertrain systems for hybrid vehicles are complex, heavy, and costly, with complex designs and many components, leading to slow gear shifting and high manufacturing costs, and they often experience torque interruptions.
Innovation Solution
A compact single-clutch transmission system with a simplified design using a first and second input gear shaft, an intermediate gear shaft, and an output gear shaft, along with torque transmission members and flexible members like chains or belts, allowing for efficient torque transfer and operation in multiple gear ratios without major torque interruptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional transmissions use complex gear structures and multiple clutches to provide multiple gear ratios, then the gear ratio versatility is improved, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission is divided into two independent torque transmission paths: a first path using gears (first gear wheel, second gear wheel, third gear wheel, fourth gear wheel) for providing first and third gear ratios, and a second path using torque transmission members (first torque transmission member, second torque transmission member) connected via a flexible member for providing a second gear ratio. This segmentation allows each path to be optimized for its specific function while reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The single-clutch powertrain system uses one clutch that can selectively connect to either the first input gear shaft or the second input gear shaft, allowing the same clutch component to serve multiple functions across different operating modes. The transmission system universally handles multiple gear ratios through different transmission paths rather than requiring dedicated components for each ratio.
2Ease of operation
If conventional transmissions use multiple clutches and complex gear structures for seamless shifting, then the gear shifting smoothness is improved, but the manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for multiple clutches from the conventional transmission system. Instead of using multiple clutches for different gear ratios, the system uses a single clutch that selectively connects to different input gear shafts, while torque transmission members provide an additional transmission path. This extraction of unnecessary components directly reduces manufacturing cost and complexity while maintaining smooth shifting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible member acts as an intermediary between the first torque transmission member and the second torque transmission member, enabling torque transfer in the second transmission path without requiring direct mechanical connection. This intermediary component simplifies the overall structure by replacing complex rigid linkages with a flexible transmission element that is easier and cheaper to manufacture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional transmissions use traditional clutch-based gear shifting, then the gear ratio changing capability is improved, but torque interruptions occur and shifting speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous torque transmission by providing multiple parallel transmission paths. When the clutch disconnects from one input gear shaft, torque can continue to be transmitted through the other path involving torque transmission members and the flexible member. This continuity of useful action ensures no torque interruption occurs during gear ratio changes, improving reliability while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The torque transmission members are pre-configured and positioned to immediately engage when needed, allowing seamless transition between different transmission paths. The flexible member is pre-tensioned and ready to transmit torque instantaneously, eliminating the delay and torque interruption that would occur with traditional clutch-based shifting where components must engage and disengage sequentially.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional transmissions are designed with large volume constructions to accommodate complex components, then the component accommodation capability is improved, but the volume and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission system employs a nested arrangement where the first and second input gear shafts, along with their respective gear wheels and torque transmission members, are concentrically or closely spaced around a common output gear shaft. The intermediate gear shaft is positioned between the input and output shafts, creating a compact nested structure that accommodates all components in a minimal volume, reducing both the transmission size and overall weight.
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
The system achieves a compact, lightweight, and efficient transmission design with reduced manufacturing costs, enabling high-efficiency operation and seamless gear shifting in hybrid vehicles by utilizing a combination of gear wheels and torque transmission members for multiple gear ratios.
Implementation Method 1
a first torque transmission member and a second torque transmission member arranged to interact with each other via a flexible member for providing a second gear ratio
Implementation Method 2
The first gear wheel and the second gear wheel are arranged to interact with each other for providing a first gear ratio
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle transmission includes first and second input gear shafts, an intermediate gear shaft and an output gear shaft. The first input gear shaft has a first torque transmission member, and the second input gear shaft has a first gear wheel. The intermediate gear shaft has second and third gear wheels. The output gear shaft has a fourth gear wheel and a second torque transmission member. The third gear wheel and the fourth gear wheel are arranged to interact with each other for transferring torque from the intermediate gear shaft to the output gear shaft. The first gear wheel and the second gear wheel are arranged to interact with each other for providing a first gear ratio. The first torque transmission member and the second torque transmission member are arranged to interact with each other via a flexible member for providing a second gear ratio.