Axial Adjustment Apparatus Using Slotted Guide Grooves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparatus for axially adjusting shifting elements, such as slider sleeves in manual transmissions or cam carriers, are complex and require multiple actuators to achieve desired axial adjustments, leading to increased structural complexity and costs.
Innovation Solution
A compact apparatus featuring a rotatable shift shaft with a fixedly connected actuating body having slotted guide sections and a linear actuator with an actuable pin, allowing for axial displacement in both directions using a single actuator, with slotted guide sections configured as grooves or ramps for simplified engagement and disengagement, and optionally incorporating a rotational angle sensor for precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple actuators are used to achieve axial adjustment of shifting elements, then the desired axial adjustment is achieved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the function of multiple actuators into a single linear actuator by providing it with multiple actuator pins that simultaneously engage with multiple slotted guide sections. This allows one actuator to perform the work that would otherwise require multiple actuators, reducing structural complexity while maintaining full axial adjustment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single linear actuator is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating multiple actuator pins that can engage with different slotted guide sections. This universal design allows the same actuator to control axial movement in multiple directions and positions, replacing what would traditionally require multiple specialized actuators.
2Reliability
If multiple actuators are provided for axial adjustment, then complete axial control is achieved, but the installation space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple actuator units into a single linear actuator assembly, thereby reducing the axial space required for installation. The multiple actuator pins and slotted guide sections are integrated within the same actuator housing, eliminating the need for separate actuator installations and reducing overall footprint.
3Device complexity
If a single linear actuator with multiple actuator pins is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the engagement and disengagement mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement mechanism is segmented into modular components: multiple independent actuator pins, separate slotted guide sections, and distinct engaging/disengaging regions. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and assembled independently, simplifying the overall manufacturing process despite the multi-pin configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The slotted guide sections incorporate curved actuating regions that dynamically guide the actuator pins through engaging and disengaging motions. The curved geometry automatically facilitates smooth transition between engagement states, reducing the need for complex control mechanisms and simplifying manufacturing.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for axially adjusting a shifting element includes a shifting shaft, which can be rotated about an axis, an actuating body, which is connected to the shifting shaft for conjoint rotation and in an axially movable manner and which has at least two slotted guide sections designed as grooves on a peripheral surface, and a linear actuator, which is associated with the actuating body and has an actuatable actuator pin, which can engage in the slotted guide sections in order to axially move the actuating body. Each slotted guide section has an incoupling region for the actuator pin, an opposite outcoupling region for the actuator pin, and an adjusting region, which lies therebetween in the peripheral direction and is bent in a curved shape, for axially moving the actuating body. The incoupling region and the outcoupling region of the slotted guide sections that are adjacent in the peripheral direction are arranged at the same axial position.