Bi-directional Actuator Torque Transfer Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle drive train actuators lack the capability to efficiently transfer torque bidirectionally between rotatable components without reversing their rotation, limiting all-wheel drive functionality.
Innovation Solution
A bi-directional actuator design featuring axially stationary parts and an activation part that alternately contacts these parts to force an actuation part in opposite axial directions, utilizing cam surfaces and followers to selectively engage and disengage rotatable components, allowing torque transfer without reversing rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional actuator design is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot transfer torque bidirectionally without reversing rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is divided into multiple functional segments: a first axially stationary part, a second axially stationary part, and an activation part. Each segment performs a specific function in the bidirectional torque transfer process, allowing complex functionality to be achieved through modular decomposition of the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The activation part is designed to be axially movable between the first and second axially stationary parts. This dynamic element enables the actuator to switch between different engagement states, facilitating bidirectional torque transfer by alternately contacting different stationary parts based on the desired direction of power flow.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the activation part alternately contacts both axially stationary parts, then bidirectional torque transfer is enabled, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The activation part serves as an intermediary element between the first and second axially stationary parts. By moving this intermediate component axially, the system can selectively engage either stationary part to control the direction of torque transfer, simplifying the control mechanism compared to directly connecting both stationary parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The activation part performs multiple functions: it engages with the first axially stationary part for one direction of torque transfer, engages with the second axially stationary part for the opposite direction, and can be non-rotatably fixed to the housing when neither engagement is needed. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function.
3Manufacturing precision
If cam surfaces and followers are used for selective engagement, then precise torque transfer control is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Cam surfaces are employed in the engagement mechanism between the activation part and the axially stationary parts. These curved surfaces provide smooth, controlled engagement and disengagement of the torque transfer components, enabling precise control over the timing and nature of the engagement while distributing mechanical stresses more evenly than flat surfaces.
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 all-wheel drive functionality by axially moving the actuation part between positions, effectively transferring torque between rotatable components in either direction, enhancing the drive train's operational flexibility and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
Contact between the activation part and the first axially stationary part causes the first axially stationary part to force the actuation part in a first axial direction and contact between the activation part and the second axially stationary part causes the second axially stationary part to force the actuation part in a second axial direction
Implementation Method 2
The first axially stationary part may include at least one first cam surface and the second axially stationary part may include at least one second cam surface. The actuation part may include at least one cam follower for engaging the at least one first cam surface and the at least one second cam surface
Data Source
AI summary
A bi-directional actuator for a motor vehicle drive train is provided. The actuator includes a first axially stationary part; a second axially stationary part; an activation part between the first axially stationary part and the second axially stationary part, the activation part being axially movable to alternately contact the first axially stationary part and the second axially stationary part; and an actuation part engaging the first axially stationary part and the second axially stationary part, contact between the activation part and the first axially stationary part causing the first axially stationary part to force the actuation part in a first axial direction, contact between the activation part and the second axially stationary part causing the second axially stationary part to force the actuation part in a second axial direction.