Timing Cover Accessory Drive Layout for Compact Hybrid Powertrains

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hybrid engine configurations face challenges such as increased radial size, efficiency limitations due to belt transmission, and complexity in the connection between the heat engine and electric motor, leading to congestion, reduced efficiency, and difficult assembly/disassembly.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves a distribution housing that carries a training system with a primary sleeve and longitudinal grooves on the crankshaft end, allowing for a compact arrangement of the electric machine and accessories along the heat engine's longitudinal axis, thereby reducing the radial size and simplifying the coupling and disconnection of the electric machine.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the electric machine is arranged against the wall of the heat engine, then the connection between the two motors is simplified, but the radial size of the assembly increases considerably

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection complexityVSAvoidradial size
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent relocates the electric machine from a radial arrangement (against the heat engine wall) to a longitudinal arrangement (at the end of the crankshaft along the longitudinal axis). This dimensional change allows the electric machine to be connected via the timing cover without increasing radial size, while still maintaining simplified connection through direct coupling at the crankshaft end.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If a belt drive is used to connect the electric motor to the heat engine, then the arrangement is simplified, but the transmission efficiency is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearrangement complexityVSAvoidtransmission efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the belt drive intermediate element from the power transmission system. Instead of using a belt to connect the electric motor to the heat engine accessories, the electric machine is directly coupled to the crankshaft end, eliminating the belt transmission and its associated energy losses while maintaining arrangement simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If the electric machine is positioned against the thermal engine, then the connection is direct, but the assembly and disassembly of the two motors becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the powertrain assembly into modular components: the heat engine, the timing cover with integrated accessories, and the electric machine. The electric machine can be independently assembled to the timing cover and then coupled to the crankshaft, allowing separate assembly and disassembly of each module while maintaining reliable direct connection during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3882444B1Timing cover comprising a system for driving accessories
Publication Date: 2025.05.07 RENAULT SA
  • EP3882444B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3882444B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3882444B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A motor vehicle powertrain arrangement comprising an internal combustion engine having a crankshaft connected with a drive system (10) of accessories (36) of the internal combustion engine and an electric machine (20). Characterized in that said drive system (10) is carried by a timing cover (40) covering a timing face of the internal combustion engine.