Continuously variable transmission for electric vehicles
Range is a major consideration of electric vehicles due to the lower energy density of batteries and the availability of charging stations. Range can be improved by minimizing losses, including those associated the drive train and transmission. It is indicated that current EV transmissions look to single ratio transmissions with emphasis on performance. Generally, transmissions range from manual, to automatic, to Automated Manual (AMT) to Continuous Variable (CVT). A CVT is presented here, where a CVT is directed at having the engine operating within a high efficiency envelope.
The configuration of the instant CVT will be described with reference to the transmission of power from the motor. The motor is connect to a first input gear, which is, in turn, rotationally connected to planetary gears via shafts. The first planetary gears circumferentially engage a first sun gear located centrally to the first planetary gears. A second sun gear is connected to the first via a shaft connected therebetween. A second set of planetary gears similarly engage the second sun gear. They are attached to a second carrier via a second set of shafts. The second carrier is attached to an output shaft.
Further, first and second ring gears are connected together, where the ring gears engage an outer circumference of the first and second planetary gears, respectively.
Further, the transmission has two brakes. In one example, a first brake is associated with the first sun gear and a second brake is associated the first and second ring gear.
Applicant(s):
The Royal Institution For The Advancement Of Learning/McGill University
Filing Date:
2021-Jun-04 (Provisional-US)
Inventor(s):
Benoit Boulet
Abdeslam Medouar
Other patents by lead inventor (select):
US9702438: Seamless transmission systems and methods for electric vehicles
Independent Claims (Applied for):
1, 11 – Apparatus
Analyst Comments:
There appear to be developments in both the transmission and control thereof. Certainly, ongoing work in the latter may lead to operational improvements in the multi-speed transmission.
Coming Soon … A patented technology is often directed a solving one problem. However, the technology may be applicable to other fields. There are many examples of a technology jumping fields. So, it never hurts to look. We will look within the IPmart system, leveraging the Framework to tie fields together. There are too many ideas to write here!
Coming Soon … This is where we will look for technology from similar or related fields within the IPmart system. We ask what are complimentary & competitive technologies? These might include technologies approaching the same problem or technologies that build on the advances of the instant technology.
In the instant example, we might find other transmissions directed at EVs or algorithms and methods of control that relate to a transmission.
Technology Tree
Where am I? The tree starts at “EV” as the technology is directed at EVs. It is noted that the there may be other applications for the technology, including developments associated with transmission control.
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