Electromechanical Actuator Torque Compensation for Progressive Force
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromechanical actuators for automatic gearboxes face challenges in providing a progressive increase in force for self-assisted conical couplers and input clutches, particularly during synchronization and torque transmission, where a temporary assistance from the electric actuating motor is necessary to manage the progressive force requirements.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a torque compensation device with a piston that transmits the thrust of a spring to a flange on the input shaft, allowing the actuating motor to release energy when deviating from a central reference position and store energy when returning, thereby supporting the motor's operation and ensuring progressive force application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If an electric motor is used to actuate self-assisted conical couplers, then the coupler can be controlled during synchronization and torque transmission, but the motor lacks sufficient torque to provide the necessary progressive force increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a spring-loaded cam mechanism that acts as a counterweight system. The spring stores potential energy and the cam converts this energy into a progressive force profile, compensating for the motor's insufficient torque capacity during the coupling engagement process.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring is pre-compressed to store energy before the coupling operation begins. This preliminary energy storage allows the system to deliver the required progressive force without requiring the motor to generate high peak torque, effectively preparing the force assistance in advance.
2Force
If a spring is inserted in the kinematic control chain to obtain progressiveness of force, then progressive force control is achieved for couplers, but the complexity of the control system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism serves as an intermediary element between the motor and the coupler. It translates the motor's rotational motion into a progressive linear force profile, mediating the interaction and providing the desired force characteristics without requiring complex electronic control algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electronic force control systems with a mechanical cam-based progressive force generation system. This mechanical substitution simplifies the overall control architecture by using passive mechanical elements to achieve the progressive force profile.
3Reliability
If the actuating motor operates continuously to maintain coupler engagement, then the coupler remains securely engaged, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism converts continuous motor rotation into periodic force application that matches the engagement requirements. The spring-loaded cam delivers force during the critical engagement phase and allows passive maintenance of position, creating a periodic action pattern that reduces continuous motor operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-cam system provides self-service by maintaining coupler engagement passively after initial actuation. Once the cam positions the coupler, the spring tension and cam geometry automatically maintain the engagement without requiring continuous motor power, allowing the motor to enter low-power states.
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
The torque compensation device enhances the actuator's ability to provide progressive force control for gear couplers and input clutches, ensuring stable and efficient operation by supporting the actuating motor during deviations from the central position and storing energy for efficient return, thus addressing the need for progressive force management.
Implementation Method 1
a piston (27) which transmits the thrust of a spring (28) to a flange (8) fixed on the input shaft (7)
Implementation Method 2
The piston (27) transmits the thrust of the spring (28) to the input shaft (7), so as to support the actuating motor (3)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The actuator has an anti-torque device constituted by a compensator (22), a guide and a knuckle. The device releases an energy to maintain an electrical actuating motor (3) when the motor is moved away from a central reference position and stores the energy provided by the motor when the motor comes close to the position. The motor controls movement of a driving pin (16) e.g. input monodisk dry clutch, and an electrical selection motor (17) and a selection plug (18) position the pin in operating positions. A kinematic chain includes a progressive curve spring (9) in one of the positions.