Two-Motor Two-Clutch Hybrid Powertrain Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) powertrains are limited in their ability to seamlessly transition between various operating modes, such as all-electric, series, and parallel modes, under different drive conditions and policies, which affects fuel efficiency and range extension, and require costly modifications for different vehicle configurations.
Innovation Solution
A powertrain configuration featuring a prime mover, electric motor-generator, electric motor, battery, and a controller that dynamically switches between multiple operating modes via clutches, allowing for a unified form factor suitable for conventional passenger cars and light-to-heavy-duty trucks, with a housing providing environmental and electromagnetic protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single powertrain configuration is designed to affect multiple operating modes (series, parallel, series-parallel), then the versatility and adaptability of the system is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The powertrain system is designed with universal components that can perform multiple functions. The electric motor-generator unit and clutch assembly can operate in different configurations (series mode, parallel mode, series-parallel mode) depending on clutch engagement states, allowing a single powertrain design to serve multiple operating modes and vehicle types without requiring mode-specific hardware variants.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic control of clutch engagement and disengagement to transition between different operating modes. The controller dynamically adjusts the state of clutches based on drive conditions, battery charge state, and power demands, enabling the powertrain to adapt its configuration in real-time without physical reconfiguration of the mechanical structure.
2Ease of manufacture
If the powertrain is designed with a unified form factor for conventional passenger cars and light-to-heavy-duty trucks, then the ease of manufacture and production cost are improved, but the adaptability to different vehicle configurations may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The powertrain assembly is designed as a universal platform that can be installed in various vehicle types (passenger cars, light-duty trucks, heavy-duty trucks) without requiring costly production line modifications. The standardized housing, mounting interfaces, and component layout allow the same powertrain design to serve multiple vehicle applications, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining adaptability through software-controlled operating modes.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the controller dynamically switches between multiple operating modes based on drive conditions and policies, then the fuel efficiency and range extension are improved, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller implements feedback control by continuously monitoring battery charge state, power demands, drive conditions, and operating mode to optimize fuel efficiency and range extension. The system adjusts clutch engagement and power distribution based on real-time feedback from sensors, enabling dynamic optimization of energy usage while managing the complexity through structured control algorithms that respond to predefined charge-sustaining and charge-depletion policies.
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
Enables efficient operation across multiple modes, reduces production costs by allowing minimal changes to existing production lines, and provides cost-effective and efficient powertrain solutions for various vehicle configurations while maintaining performance comparable to conventional systems.
Implementation Method 1
a battery, said battery electrically coupled to said electric motor-generator and said electric motor, said battery capable of supplying electrical energy to said electric motor-generator and said electric motor
Data Source
AI summary
Powertrain configurations for hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) are disclosed herein. One powertrain comprises: a prime mover; an electric motor-generator, said electric motor-generator mechanically coupled to said prime mover via a first clutch; an electric motor, said electric motor mechanically coupled to said electric motor-generator via a second clutch; a battery, said battery electrically coupled to said electric motor-generator and said electric motor, said battery capable of supplying electrical energy to said electric motor-generator and said electric motor; and a controller, said controller capable of supplying control signals to said prime mover, said first clutch, said electric motor-generator, said second clutch and said electric motor such that said controller is capable of dynamically affecting a plurality of operating modes; wherein further said plurality of operating modes comprises one of a group, said group comprising: all electric mode, series mode, series-parallel mode and parallel mode.