Two-Speed Transmission for Electric Vehicle Torque Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing one-speed transmissions in electric vehicles are limited by constant gear ratios, resulting in poor climbing capability, high energy consumption during start-up, and inefficient energy utilization, as they cannot provide sufficient torque when driving uphill or high speed when driving on flat roads.

Innovation Solution

A two-speed transmission system with two planet gear assemblies and clutches, allowing for switching between high and low gear ratios to optimize torque and speed output based on driving conditions, utilizing a first and second transmission mechanism with distinct gear ratios and clutches to connect and disconnect with the spindle for different torque outputs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If a one-speed transmission with constant gear ratio is used, then the transmission structure is simple, but the climbing capability is poor and torque is insufficient when driving uphill

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovetorqueVSAvoidtransmission structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transmission system is segmented into two distinct transmission mechanisms (first and second transmission mechanisms), each with different gear ratios. This allows the system to provide different torque levels for different driving conditions, resolving the contradiction between simple structure and sufficient torque by dividing the transmission function into multiple specialized subsystems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The transmission system transitions from a static constant gear ratio to a dynamic variable gear ratio system. The controller dynamically switches between first and second gear ratios based on driving conditions (uphill, flat road, acceleration), enabling the transmission to adapt torque output to real-time requirements, thus improving climbing capability without permanently increasing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Speed

If a one-speed transmission with constant gear ratio is used, then the transmission structure is simple, but the speed is limited when driving on flat roads

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle speedVSAvoidtransmission structure
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transmission system is divided into two distinct transmission mechanisms with different gear ratios optimized for different speed requirements. The first transmission mechanism provides higher speed for flat road driving, while the second provides lower speed with higher torque for uphill conditions, resolving the speed limitation without requiring a complex multi-speed transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the transmission gear ratio parameter based on driving conditions. By switching between first gear ratio (higher speed) and second gear ratio (lower speed, higher torque), the system optimizes vehicle speed for different road conditions, effectively resolving the contradiction between simple structure and speed performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Use of energy by moving object

If a one-speed transmission is used, then the transmission structure is simple, but energy utilization rate is low and start-up is energy consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy utilization rateVSAvoidtransmission structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transmission system dynamically adjusts gear ratio based on driving conditions to optimize energy utilization. During start-up and acceleration, the system selects appropriate gear ratios to maximize torque output and minimize energy consumption, resolving the contradiction between simple structure and energy efficiency by introducing dynamic adaptation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The transmission gear ratio parameter is changed based on driving conditions to optimize energy utilization. The controller monitors driving state and switches between gear ratios to ensure optimal energy transfer from motor to wheels, improving energy utilization rate without requiring a completely complex transmission structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Reliability

If a one-speed transmission with constant gear ratio is used, then the transmission structure is simple, but the electric motor may be dragged or burnt down when driving down the slope with accelerated speed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotor protectionVSAvoidtransmission structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transmission system provides dynamic gear ratio adjustment to protect the motor during downhill driving. When the vehicle accelerates downhill, the controller can switch to appropriate gear ratios to prevent motor dragging and potential burnout, enhancing reliability without requiring a completely complex transmission structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 two-speed transmission enhances climbing capability and energy utilization by providing higher torque for uphill driving and higher speed for flat roads, improving driving efficiency and reducing the risk of motor drag or burnout.

Implementation Method 1

The first planet gear is furnished on the first planet bracket and meshed between the first ring gear and the first sun gear. The second planet gear is furnished on the second planet bracket and meshed between the second ring gear and the second sun gear.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGear meshing: Gear

Data Source

PatentUS9809098B2Two-speed transmission for electric vehicle
Publication Date: 2017.11.07 IND TECH RES INST
  • US9809098B2 patent drawing
  • US9809098B2 patent drawing
  • US9809098B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A two-speed transmission for an electric vehicle including an electric motor, a first transmission mechanism and a second transmission mechanism is provided. The electric motor includes a rotor and a spindle. The rotor drives a first sun gear and a first planet gear of the first transmission mechanism to rotate with respect to the first ring gear to generate a first gear ratio. The rotor drives a second sun gear and a second planet gear of the second transmission mechanism to rotate with respect to the second ring gear to generate a second gear ratio different from the first gear ratio. When the first clutch connects with the spindle, the second clutch separates from the spindle, and a first torque is outputted to the spindle. When the second clutch connects with the spindle, the first clutch separates from the spindle, and a second torque is outputted to the spindle.