Switchable Powertrain With Four Degrees Of Freedom
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid vehicles face challenges in efficiently switching between operation modes due to rigid preconfigurations, limiting their versatility and efficiency across different torque and speed conditions.
Innovation Solution
A switchable powertrain with at least four points of freedom, featuring a main gear set, selective couplings, and multiple torque sources, allowing for various torque transfer pathways and operational configurations, including electric motor and engine interactions, to optimize energy efficiency across high and low torque and speed modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a hybrid vehicle is preconfigured with a single set-point for torque transfer pathway, then the vehicle can operate efficiently at that specific configuration, but the vehicle cannot efficiently switch to other operation modes or adapt to different torque and speed conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The powertrain system employs dynamic reconfigurability through switchable torque transfer pathways. The system can dynamically switch between at least three different torque transfer pathways (first pathway through transmission, second pathway bypassing transmission, third pathway through alternative route) based on operating conditions. This dynamic adaptation allows the vehicle to optimize efficiency across different operation modes including high torque/low speed, low torque/high speed, and transition modes, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity by providing multiple pre-designed pathways rather than requiring complex real-time optimization.
2Productivity
If a hybrid vehicle uses a rigid preconfiguration with two torque transfer pathways, then the structure is simpler, but the vehicle loses efficiency in high torque and low torque and high speed and low speed operation modes
Solution Approach 1:
The powertrain system implements multi-functionality by designing a universal adapter configuration that enables at least three different torque transfer pathways using common components. The adapter can selectively couple the electric motor to either the transmission input shaft or the driveline directly, while the combustion engine can couple to the transmission through the clutch. This universal design allows the same hardware configuration to serve multiple operation modes (high torque, low torque, high speed, low speed) without requiring separate dedicated systems for each mode, thus improving productivity across all modes while controlling device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a vehicle switches between torque transfer pathways, then adaptability improves, but the switching process may cause torque gaps or interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple torque transfer pathways and their associated coupling mechanisms (clutches, adapters) in advance. The control system can predict upcoming mode transitions and pre-engage the appropriate pathways before switching is required. For example, before transitioning from electric-only mode to hybrid mode, the system can pre-engage the clutch connecting the combustion engine to the transmission, ensuring seamless torque delivery. This preliminary preparation eliminates torque gaps and maintains reliability during adaptability transitions.
Data Source
AI summary
A switchable powertrain comprises at least four points of freedom. The switchable powertrain comprises a main gear set configured for gear ratio selection, the main gear set comprising main gears coupled to a main shaft and second gears coupled to a second shaft. An adapter comprises a first selective coupling configured to selectively couple to the main shaft, and a second selective coupling configured to selectively couple to the second shaft. A first torque source and a clutch are configured for selectively coupling or decoupling first torque to the main shaft. A second torque source is configured for selectively outputting second torque to the first selective coupling or to the second selective coupling.