Adjustable Clutch Shift Fork for Axial Clearance Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dog clutch mechanisms in multi-axle vehicle drivelines face challenges in achieving precise engagement and disengagement, particularly at high speeds and torques, due to issues with axial clearance, unwanted forces, and the need for close manufacturing tolerances, which increases costs and requires inconvenient disassembly for adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A shifting device with an axially movable actuator rod and a clutch shift fork that can be adjusted externally using a fork position adjuster and fork stroke adjuster, allowing precise positioning and stroke length control without disassembly, utilizing a threaded connector and locking element for secure alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If close manufacturing tolerances are used for clutch components, then engagement precision is improved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces an adjustable stop ring that can be positioned at different axial locations to dynamically adjust the disengaged axial clearance. This allows the system to adapt to tolerance variations without requiring tight manufacturing tolerances, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining engagement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The stop ring's axial position is changed as a parameter to compensate for tolerance build-up. By adjusting the stop ring position, the system can achieve the desired engagement precision without relying on close manufacturing tolerances of individual components.
2Manufacturing precision
If axial clearance is reduced to minimum for precise engagement, then engagement time is minimized, but unwanted forces and wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable stop ring enables dynamic adjustment of the disengaged axial clearance. This allows optimization of the clearance to achieve precise engagement while maintaining sufficient gap to avoid unwanted forces and wear during operation.
3Manufacturing precision
If adjustment mechanism is added to control fork position and stroke length, then precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable stop ring provides a simple yet effective means to control the axial stroke length and fork position. This single adjustable component achieves precise control without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms, thereby improving precision while minimizing added complexity.
4Manufacturing precision
If adjustment is required for tolerance compensation, then engagement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to disassembly requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The stop ring is designed to be adjustable within the housing without requiring disassembly. This allows operators to compensate for tolerance build-up and adjust the axial clearance easily, improving engagement precision while maintaining ease of operation.
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
Enables precise and efficient engagement and disengagement of the clutch with reduced axial clearance and minimized wear, eliminating the need for close manufacturing tolerances and external adjustments, thereby simplifying manufacturing and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
the clutch shift fork being mounted on the actuator rod by a threaded connector forming the fork position adjuster such that the clutch shift fork is axially movable on the actuator rod
Data Source
AI summary
A shifting device for a positively engaging clutch having complementary first and second positively engaging coupling elements includes a housing and an actuator rod which is axially movable within the housing by means of an associated rod actuating mechanism. A clutch shift fork for engagement with the first coupling element is mounted on the actuator rod for axial movement of the first coupling element into and out of engagement with the second coupling element in response to axial movement of the actuator rod. The clutch shift fork is mounted on the actuator rod by a threaded connector such that the clutch shift fork is axially movable on the actuator rod. Thus conveniently the axial position of the clutch fork on the shaft may be altered by rotating the shaft relative to the clutch fork for accurate positioning of the clutch fork relative to the coupling element with which it engages.