Axial Clutch Actuator With Integrated Connection Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuators for rotary machines, such as differentials, face challenges in reliably connecting and disconnecting clutches due to issues like temporary adhesion caused by lubricant viscosity or magnetization, and the lack of space for detection devices within the actuator.
Innovation Solution
The actuator design incorporates a driving unit with magnetic coils arranged around the axis to generate magnetic flux, an axially movable armature, and a plunger to transmit axial motion to the clutch. This configuration allows for compact integration of detection devices within the actuator, eliminating the need for additional space and ensuring accurate placement relative to the rotary machine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If detection devices are added to detect clutch connection status, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The detection device is merged with the actuator by integrating the detection coil into the existing magnetic flux path of the driving unit. The detection coil shares the magnetic circuit with the driving coils, allowing detection functionality to be combined with the actuating mechanism without adding separate detection hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic flux path serves dual purposes: it generates magnetic force for actuating the clutch through the driving coils, and simultaneously enables detection of clutch connection status through the detection coil. This multi-functional use of the magnetic circuit eliminates the need for separate detection infrastructure.
2Reliability
If detection devices are fixed to the carrier for the rotary machine, then detection capability is provided, but manufacturing precision requirements increase for accurate placement
Solution Approach 1:
The detection function is extracted from the carrier and integrated directly into the actuator assembly. This removes the detection device from the carrier structure, eliminating the need for precise placement on the carrier and allowing the detection coil to be positioned relative to the plunger through the actuator's own structural features.
3Volume of moving object
If the actuator structure is made compact to reduce size, then space efficiency is improved, but space for detection devices is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The detection coil is nested within the existing actuator structure by placing it inside the magnetic flux path formed by the driving coils and armature. The detection coil utilizes the existing magnetic circuit space, allowing detection functionality to be nested within the compact actuator volume without increasing overall size.
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 solution enables reliable and compact operation of the actuator by ensuring accurate clutch engagement and disengagement, while allowing for the integration of detection devices within the actuator, thus maintaining a compact form factor and eliminating the need for precise placement of external detection devices.
Implementation Method 1
a driving unit including a plurality of magnetic coils arranged around the axis, each of the coils being arranged to generate a magnetic flux in a direction parallel to the axis
Implementation Method 2
an armature disposed coaxially with the axis and opposed axially to the driving unit, the armature being movable axially
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator for externally manipulating a clutch within a machine rotatable about an axis is provided with a driving unit including a plurality of magnetic coils arranged around the axis, each of the coils being arranged to generate a magnetic flux in a direction parallel to the axis; an armature disposed coaxially with the axis and opposed axially to the driving unit, the armature being movable axially; and a plunger coupled with the armature to transmit axial motion to the clutch.