Patent ID: 10112603

Abstract:
A system and method are provided for hybrid electric internal combustion engine applications. A motor-generator, a narrow switchable coupling and a torque transfer unit are arranged in the constrained environment at the front of an engine. The motor-generator is preferably laterally offset from the switchable coupling, which is co-axially-arranged with the engine crankshaft. The switchable coupling is an integrated unit in which a crankshaft vibration damper, an engine accessory drive pulley and a disengageable clutch overlap such that the axial depth of the clutch-pulley-damper unit is nearly the same as a conventional belt drive pulley and engine damper. The front end motor-generator system includes an electrical energy store that receives electrical energy generated when the coupling is engaged. When the coupling is disengaged, the motor-generator may drive the pulley portion of the clutch-pulley-damper to drive the engine accessories using energy from the energy store, independent of the engine crankshaft.