Axial Coupler for Vehicle Drivetrain Connect-Disconnect
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for servicing and maintaining powertrain components, such as transmissions and final drive assemblies in vehicles, are time-consuming and labor-intensive due to limited access and complex disconnection procedures, particularly in tracked vehicles where space constraints and design limitations hinder efficient maintenance and repair.
Innovation Solution
A connect-disconnect mechanism for powertrain components that allows for axial motion of coupling components to either connect or disconnect the transmission and final drive assemblies without removing them from the vehicle, utilizing a coupling device that spans a gap between the drive element and transmission coupler to facilitate quick and secure power transfer, and an actuator to move the coupler along a longitudinal axis for engagement or disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the transmission is removed from the vehicle for servicing, then the transmission can be maintained or serviced, but the vehicle operation is stopped and time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The drive shaft is divided into a first drive shaft portion connected to the transmission and a second drive shaft portion connected to the final drive assembly, with a disconnectable coupling between them. This segmentation allows the transmission to remain installed while enabling quick disconnection of the drive shaft for servicing, thus maintaining vehicle operation with minimal downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism includes movable coupling components that can dynamically transition between connected and disconnected states. The axial motion of coupling components allows quick engagement and disengagement without requiring complete removal of the transmission, reducing servicing time and vehicle downtime.
2Ease of operation
If the final drive assembly is completely removed from the vehicle for transmission servicing, then access is provided, but the removal process is extremely complex and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The drive shaft is segmented into two portions with a disconnectable coupling, allowing the transmission to remain installed while providing access for servicing. This eliminates the need to completely remove the final drive assembly, significantly simplifying the servicing process and reducing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism extracts the essential connection function from the overall assembly, allowing the drive shaft to be quickly disconnected from the final drive assembly while leaving the transmission in place. This extraction of the connection/disconnection capability simplifies the servicing process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the transmission output is disconnected from the drive assembly for towing, then the vehicle can be towed, but the disconnection and reconnection process requires substantial time and effort
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling components are designed with axial motion capability that allows quick engagement and disengagement. The movable coupling components can be rapidly positioned to connect or disconnect the drive shaft from the final drive assembly, enabling fast preparation for towing and quick reconnection after towing, thus minimizing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism includes features that facilitate self-alignment and automatic engagement during connection, reducing the manual effort and time required for disconnection and reconnection operations during towing scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
A connect-disconnect assembly for a vehicle drivetrain configured to drive a vehicle with a surface engaging traction member. The connect-disconnect assembly includes a coupler located within a final drive element or gear of a final drive assembly wherein in a first position the coupler does not span a gap between the gear and a transmission drive element of a transmission. In a second position, the coupler does span the gap between the gear and the transmission drive element such that the gear and the transmission drive element are connected. The final drive assembly includes an access port to provide access to a user accessible drive actuator to move the coupler between the first and second positions.