Bistable Clutch Disconnection Module for Low-Energy EV Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional disconnection modules for electric vehicles require continuous energy to maintain the engaged state, leading to energy wastage and instability in the engaged state.
Innovation Solution
A bistable disconnection module that utilizes a split clutch system with a drive member and a clutch member, along with a reset assembly and an actuator, to achieve stable engaged and disengaged states without continuous energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional monostable disconnection module is used to engage the auxiliary drive motor, then the engaged state can be achieved, but continuous energy consumption is required to maintain the engaged state
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch mechanism is segmented into a drive member and a clutch member that can be independently controlled. The drive member engages with the clutch member through axial reciprocation, allowing the system to achieve two stable states (engaged and disengaged) without continuous energy input. This segmentation enables the disconnection module to function as a bistable mechanism where once engaged, the connection is maintained without continuous actuator power.
Solution Approach 2:
The disconnection module is designed to maintain its engaged state through its own mechanical structure rather than requiring continuous external energy input. The actuator only needs to provide temporary force to transition between states, after which the system self-maintains the engaged state through the mechanical interaction between the drive member and clutch member, eliminating continuous energy consumption.
2Ease of operation
If a conventional monostable disconnection module is used, then the engaged state can be achieved, but the engaged state becomes unstable when the actuator is powered off
Solution Approach 1:
The disconnection module transitions from a monostable design to a bistable design, where both engaged and disengaged states are stable equilibrium positions. The drive member can reciprocate axially to engage or disengage the clutch member, and once in either state, the system remains stable without continuous control input. This dynamic design allows the system to maintain reliability while preserving ease of operation through simple actuator control.
3Reliability
If the actuator remains energized to maintain the engaged state, then the disconnection module remains engaged, but energy wastage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous actuator energization, the actuator performs periodic reciprocating movements to transition the clutch between engaged and disengaged states. Once the desired state is achieved, the actuator can be powered off and the system maintains that state without further energy input. This periodic action replaces continuous energy consumption while maintaining reliable connection when needed.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The present invention relates to a disconnection module (10) for engaging or disengaging a first component (20) rotatable about a first shaft (30) with or from the first shaft, comprising: a clutch member (2) rotatably and fixedly mounted on the first shaft; a drive member (1) axially arranged between the first component and the clutch member and fixedly connected to the first component, wherein the clutch member can reciprocate axially to engage with and disengage from the drive member; a reset assembly for applying pressure to the clutch member towards a disengagement direction for disengaging from the drive member; an actuator comprising an action end that can reciprocate axially; and a pressing assembly configured to connect the action end with the clutch member, so that under the pressure applied by the reset assembly, one reciprocating movement of the action end brings the clutch member from a disengaged state to an engaged state and maintains the engaged state until a next reciprocating movement of the action end brings the clutch member from the engaged state to the disengaged state.