Active Material Actuated Transmission Selective Power Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for actuating multiple outputs in devices, such as automobiles, using independent electric motors increase mass and cost, and existing actuation devices like solenoids and electromagnets are counterproductive due to added weight and expense.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for selective power transfer using a primary actuator and active material actuators, where the desired output configuration is monitored and selectively actuated by mechanically coupling output shafts to the primary actuator, utilizing Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs) or other active materials to achieve efficient torque transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If independent electric motors are used to actuate different features, then actuation capability is improved, but mass and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple actuation functions into a single electric motor by using active material actuators (such as shape memory alloys) to distribute power to multiple output shafts. This merging approach eliminates the need for separate motors for each actuated feature, thereby reducing overall system mass while maintaining full actuation capability across all outputs.
Solution Approach 2:
The single primary actuator is designed to perform multiple functions by selectively coupling different output shafts to the motor through active material actuators. This multi-functional design allows one motor to replace what would traditionally require multiple dedicated motors, achieving versatility without proportionally increasing mass.
2Adaptability or versatility
If solenoids, switches, relays, electromagnets, transducers and drivers are used to provide actuation to multiple shafts, then actuation is achieved, but cost and mass increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates intermediate actuation devices (solenoids, switches, relays, electromagnets, transducers, and drivers) from the power transfer path. By using active material actuators that directly couple output shafts to the motor, the system removes unnecessary components, thereby reducing both cost and complexity while maintaining the ability to actuate multiple shafts.
Solution Approach 2:
The active material actuators serve as direct mediators between the motor and output shafts, replacing complex intermediary devices. These active materials provide a simpler, more cost-effective means of achieving selective power transfer without requiring the elaborate array of electrical components traditionally used for multi-shaft actuation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If solenoids, switches, relays, electromagnets, transducers and drivers are used to provide actuation to multiple shafts, then actuation is achieved, but mass increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple actuation devices into a single integrated system using active material actuators. By combining what would traditionally require separate solenoids, switches, and other components into one unified active material-based coupling mechanism, the system achieves multi-shaft actuation with significantly reduced mass.
4Weight of moving object
If a single primary actuator is used to drive multiple outputs, then mass and cost are reduced, but selective actuation capability must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic selective coupling between the motor and output shafts using active material actuators. Each output shaft can be independently and dynamically engaged or disengaged from the motor through the active material actuators, which respond to electrical signals by changing their mechanical coupling state. This dynamic capability maintains full selective actuation control while using only a single motor, thereby preserving versatility without increasing mass.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces system mass and cost by enabling efficient, selective actuation of multiple outputs with a single primary actuator, leveraging the high strain recovery capabilities of SMAs to manage torque distribution effectively.
Implementation Method 1
An active material actuator (52) is provided including a mechanical coupling feature (114) coupling one of the plurality of output shafts (20, 22, 24) to one of the plurality of output members (46, 48, 50) when the active material actuator is activated
Data Source
AI summary
Power is selectively transferred from a primary actuator to one of a plurality of output shafts with a transmission including a plurality of output members coupled to an input member, the input member being coupled to the primary actuator. A first active material actuator includes a mechanical coupling feature coupling one of the plurality of output shafts to one of the plurality of output members when the active material actuator is activated.