Bi-Stable Drivetrain Actuating Assembly With Single-Solenoid Latching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuating assemblies in automotive drivetrains require continuous energization of solenoids to maintain stable positions, which is inefficient and costly, and often necessitate the use of multiple solenoids or mechanical detents to achieve bi-stability.
Innovation Solution
A bi-stable actuating assembly that utilizes a single-acting linear actuator to move a plunger into two stable positions, utilizing a spring-biased barrel that engages with the plunger and body in different orientations, allowing the assembly to remain de-energized in either position without continuous solenoid activation, leveraging a combination of ramps, slots, and tabs for rotational fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If continuous solenoid energization is used to maintain stable positions, then reliable positioning is achieved, but energy consumption increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements bi-stability where the actuating assembly can maintain two stable positions without continuous energization. The solenoid is only activated periodically to transition between positions, after which the mechanism maintains position through its inherent bi-stable design, eliminating continuous energy consumption while preserving reliable positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating assembly is designed to be self-maintaining in each stable position through the interaction of the barrel, plunger, and spring mechanism. Once positioned, the system uses its own mechanical structure (barrel engagement surfaces, spring biasing) to maintain position without requiring external energy input, making the system self-sufficient for position maintenance.
2Reliability
If multiple solenoids or mechanical detents are used to achieve bi-stability, then stable positioning is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of multiple solenoids or mechanical detents into a single integrated barrel-plunger-spring mechanism. The barrel with its engagement surfaces and the spring work together to provide bi-stability, eliminating the need for separate components while achieving the same functional result, thus reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrel component serves multiple functions: it engages with the plunger to define stable positions, interacts with the spring for biasing, and provides the mechanical structure for bi-stability. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall actuating assembly while maintaining reliable bi-stable positioning.
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 efficient, cost-effective operation by allowing a single solenoid to switch between two stable positions and remain de-energized, reducing energy consumption and eliminating the need for multiple solenoids or mechanical detents, while maintaining stable engagement and disengagement of drivetrain components.
Implementation Method 1
a spring for biasing the barrel toward the plunger, the barrel being configured such that the spring forces the barrel into circumferential engagement with the body in two different axial positions of the barrel with respect to the body when the linear actuator is inactive depending on a rotational orientation of the barrel
Implementation Method 2
a linear actuator configured for being activated to axially move the plunger in a first direction into engagement with the body such that the plunger and body are rotationally fixed with respect to each other
Implementation Method 3
the barrel includes barrel ramps and the plunger includes plunger ramps, the barrel ramps axially contacting the plunger ramps in the first orientation
Implementation Method 4
the plunger includes plunger slots receiving the tabs to rotationally fix the plunger and the body with respect to each other
Data Source
AI summary
An actuating assembly includes a body; a plunger axially movable with respect to the body; a linear actuator configured for being activated to axially move the plunger in a first direction into engagement with the body such that the plunger and body are rotationally fixed with respect to each other; a barrel movable with respect to the body for contacting the plunger and the body depending on an axial position of the plunger; and a spring for biasing the barrel toward the plunger. The barrel is configured such that the spring forces the barrel into circumferential engagement with the body in two different axial positions of the barrel with respect to the body when the linear actuator is inactive depending on a rotational orientation of the barrel.