Seamless transmission systems and methods for electric vehicles
Batteries have a lower energy density than fossil fuels. 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. Further, transmissions, in general, range from manual, to automatic, to Automated manual to Continuous Variable (CVT). A two-speed seamless transmission (2SPST) is presented here, where the transmission is directed at shifting without torque or speed interruption and minimizing the energy loss associated with the internal brakes.
The instant 2SPST has first and second planetary gearboxes. In one example, the motor is connected to a first carrier, which is, in turn, rotationally connected to first planetary gears via shafts. The first planetary gears circumferentially engage a sun gear located centrally to the first planetary gears. The sun gear is also part of the second planetary gearbox, where the sun gear may have two gears connected together. A second set of planetary gears similarly engage the sun gear. They are attached to a second carrier via a second set of shafts. The second carrier is attached to output.
Further, first and second gearboxes have a ring gear that engages an outer circumference of the first and second planetary gears. Like the sun gear, the ring gear might have two gears of different diameters.
Further, a first brake engages the sun gear. A second brake is located on the outer circumference of the ring gear to engage it.
Considerable detail is provided around the algorithms and calculations used to control the transmission. At initial reading, the sole independent Claim does not appear to refer to this detail.
Applicant(s):
The Royal Institution For The Advancement Of Learning/McGill University
Priority Date:
2015-Sep-29 (US Application Filed)
Inventor(s):
Benoit Boulet
Mir Saman Rahimi Mousavi
Hossein Vahid Alizadeh
Ali Pakniyat
Other patents by lead inventor (select):
WO2022/251966: Continuously variable transmission for electric vehicles
Independent Claims:
1 – 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. It is also noted many citation of the patent are from Asia-based entities.
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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