Axle Shift Collar Mechanism for Selective Gear Ratio Changes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing axle assemblies lack an efficient mechanism for actuating a shift collar to selectively connect drive pinion gears, leading to inefficiencies in torque transmission and gear ratio changes.

Innovation Solution

The axle assembly incorporates a shift mechanism with a shift collar, actuator, linkage, and drive member, allowing manual actuation of the shift collar to connect specific drive pinion gears, enhancing torque transmission and gear ratio adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a shift mechanism is added to enable selective connection of drive pinion gears, then gear ratio adjustment capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegear ratio adjustment capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shift mechanism is divided into distinct functional components: a shift collar for axial movement, a linkage for rotational motion, and a drive member for manual actuation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system manageability despite the added complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The linkage acts as an intermediary between the manually actuated drive member and the shift collar. It converts the rotational motion of the drive member into axial movement of the shift collar, enabling precise control over gear selection without requiring direct linear actuation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If manual actuation of the shift collar is implemented, then control precision over torque transmission is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanism replaces direct linear actuation of the shift collar with a rotational actuation system. The drive member rotates about an axis perpendicular to the collar axis, and this rotational motion is converted to axial movement through the linkage, providing mechanical advantage and improved control precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The linkage serves as a mechanical intermediary that translates rotational input from the drive member into precise axial positioning of the shift collar. This indirect actuation method provides better control over the shifting operation compared to direct linear actuation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 precise control over torque transmission and gear ratio changes, improving the efficiency and functionality of the axle assembly.

Implementation Method 1

The drive member has a drive member gear that has teeth that mesh with teeth of the linkage gear

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGear meshing: Gear

Data Source

PatentUS12403762B2Axle assembly having a shift mechanism

Publication Date: 2025.09.02 ARVINMERITOR TECHNOLOGY LLC

AI summary

An axle assembly having a shift mechanism. The shift mechanism includes an actuator that is configured to move the shift collar along the axis to selectively connect a member of a set of drive pinion gears to a drive pinion. A drive member is also provided that is configured to move the shift collar when actuated.