Question about a theoretical drivetrain concept for heavy machines (motor + torque aggregation + transmission)

I have been thinking about a theoretical drivetrain concept for heavy machines such as tractors or construction equipment, and I would like to ask whether the basic mechanical ideas could make sense in principle. The concept consists of three stages in the power flow:

1. Modular engine The engine would consist of several identical cylinder modules acting on a common output shaft. The idea is that power could be scaled simply by adding or removing modules. For example: small machines → fewer modules large machines → more modules In partial load situations, some modules could be deactivated. Additionally, a damping element between the engine and the drivetrain could smooth out torque pulses before they reach the transmission.
2. Torque aggregation Instead of transmitting all torque through a single shaft, the torque would be distributed across multiple parallel drive paths. These paths would then engage with a central gear element where the torque is combined again. The idea is that a symmetrical arrangement of these paths could reduce side loads on the central element and distribute the mechanical load across several paths.
3. Transmission After that, a modular transmission would provide multiple fixed gear ratios. The idea is that two adjacent gear stages could be partially engaged at the same time through controlled clutch pressure. This would create an effective intermediate ratio between the two mechanical gears (a kind of “virtual gear”). The goal would be to achieve a very wide ratio spread while still relying mostly on mechanical gearing rather than a hydrostatic CVT. Questions Are these three principles mechanically plausible in general? Where would you expect the biggest technical challenges? Are there existing drivetrain concepts that work in a similar way? I’m mainly interested in a theoretical engineering perspective on the concept.