The discussion revolves around the feasibility of combining two unidirectional output shafts that rotate at varying velocities into a single output shaft. Participants explore potential mechanisms, such as fluid couplings and continuously variable transmissions (CVTs), while addressing the complexities involved in achieving this integration.
Participants do not reach a consensus on the feasibility of the proposed idea. There are competing views regarding the operation of the CVT and whether it can effectively combine power from both sources simultaneously.
There are unresolved questions about the mechanics of combining the two output shafts, including assumptions about the nature of the forces involved and the specific configurations of the proposed systems.
Bob S said:The CVT (continuously variable transmission) in the Toyota Prius has two input shafts, one from the electric motor, and one from the gasoline engine, that combines the two in a planetary gear system into one output shaft.
Both the internal combustion engine (ICE) and the electric motor (there are actually two, MG1 and MG2) drive the car through the CVT (continuously variable transmission. The ICE drives the planetary support gear, MG1 drives the sun gear, and MG2 is coupled to the ring gear. ReadDanger said:Isn't that a 'one or the other' situation, though? Can they actually both provide power at different speeds, at the same time, through the same tranny?