Claw Clutch Actuation Using External Spring Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
In hybrid and electric motor vehicles, claw clutches face challenges in quiet engagement and reliable connection due to tooth-on-tooth positions, which can lead to power loss and noise, and existing solutions require additional sensors and complex actuator systems.
Innovation Solution
A method for actuating a claw clutch that decouples actuator movement from sliding sleeve movement during tooth-on-tooth positions, using a spring element loaded by a shift fork to achieve reliable engagement without additional sensors on the clutch body, by loading the spring element outside the sliding sleeve and detecting engagement through actuator position measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a spring element is used to decouple the clutch body axially during tooth-on-tooth position, then quiet engagement is achieved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the spring element directly with the sliding sleeve, integrating the decoupling function into an existing component rather than adding a separate axial decoupling mechanism. This merging approach maintains the noise reduction benefit while reducing overall system complexity by eliminating redundant components.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding sleeve is given multiple functions: it serves as both the axial movement actuator and the carrier for the spring element that provides axial decoupling. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated decoupling components, thereby simplifying the overall actuator system while maintaining quiet engagement capability.
2Measurement precision
If additional sensors are added to detect engagement position, then measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator system uses its own internal position information to determine engagement status. By evaluating the relationship between the actuator's current position and predefined threshold values, the system self-determines engagement without requiring external sensors, thereby maintaining measurement precision while reducing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a control unit as an intermediary that processes the actuator position data and determines engagement status based on threshold comparisons. This intermediary approach eliminates the need for additional sensors by using existing position data in a sophisticated control algorithm, maintaining measurement precision while reducing hardware complexity.
3Device complexity
If the sliding sleeve is directly coupled to the actuator, then device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of engagement decreases due to tooth-on-tooth position issues
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element is pre-loaded in a ready state within the sliding sleeve before engagement occurs. When tooth-on-tooth position is detected, the pre-loaded spring immediately provides the necessary axial decoupling action, enabling reliable engagement without requiring complex real-time adjustment mechanisms. This preliminary preparation maintains simplicity while ensuring reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static direct coupling to a dynamic coupling where the spring element can compress and expand based on real-time engagement conditions. This dynamic capability allows the simple actuator system to adapt to tooth-on-tooth positions, maintaining both simplicity and reliability through controlled flexibility in the coupling mechanism.
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
This method enables quiet and reliable positive connection of the claw clutch, reduces the number of movable elements on the sliding sleeve component, and simplifies the detection of shift positions without additional sensors, ensuring efficient power transmission and reduced noise.
Implementation Method 1
loading a spring element outside the second rotatable component equipped with the sliding sleeve by means of the actuator system via the shift fork when a tooth-on-tooth position of the sliding sleeve relative to the clutch body of the first rotatable component occurs
Data Source
AI summary
A claw clutch for positively connecting a first rotatable component to a second rotatable component. A claw clutch for motor vehicles having an electric drive train which permits a reliable connection of the claw clutch when tooth-on-tooth positions are released and, at the same time, reduces the number of moving elements on the sliding sleeve. A clutch body, which is arranged on the first rotatable component for conjoint rotation therewith, has a first tooth system and a sliding sleeve, which is arranged on the second rotatable component in a manner which allows conjoint rotation and axial movement, has a second tooth system and is axially movable via a shift fork by an actuator system in order to load a spring element by the actuator system in the case of a tooth-on-tooth position. The spring element to be loaded is arranged outside the second rotatable component equipped with the sliding sleeve.