Clocked Retaining Assembly Axial Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automotive transmission systems require additional components like snap rings to prevent axial movement of clutch plates, which increases complexity and weight, as splines only maintain angular position and prevent rotational movement.
Innovation Solution
A clocked retaining assembly with inner and outer transmission components featuring splines that allow axial alignment and locking via a pin extension, eliminating the need for snap rings by preventing both axial and rotational movement through mating spline teeth and pin insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If snap rings are used to prevent axial movement of clutch plates, then axial position control is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the axial retention function (previously performed by snap rings) and the rotational locking function (performed by splines) into a single integrated spline structure. The splines are designed to simultaneously prevent both axial movement and rotational movement of the clutch plates relative to the transmission case component, eliminating the need for separate snap rings and reducing overall component count.
Solution Approach 2:
The spline structure is given multiple functions: it maintains angular position between parts, prevents rotational movement through tooth-groove engagement, and prevents axial movement through the same engagement. This multi-functional design replaces the need for separate components dedicated to each function, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If snap rings are used to prevent axial movement of clutch plates, then axial position control is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the axial retention function (previously requiring separate snap rings) with the rotational locking function (performed by splines) into a single integrated structure. By eliminating the need for additional snap ring components, the overall weight of the transmission assembly is reduced while maintaining the same level of axial position control reliability.
3Reliability
If multiple components are used for axial and rotational restraint, then movement control is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple restraint functions into a single spline component design. The splines are configured to simultaneously provide axial retention and rotational locking, reducing the number of parts that need to be manufactured, assembled, and inspected. This integration simplifies the manufacturing process while maintaining comprehensive movement control.
Data Source
AI summary
A clocked retaining assembly for use in an automotive powertrain is provided. The clocked retaining assembly includes an inner component and an outer component. The inner component has an outer side having a plurality of inner spline teeth separated by a plurality of inner grooves formed in the outer side. The outer component has an inner side having a plurality of outer spline teeth separated by a plurality of outer grooves formed in the inner side. The outer component forms a continuous inner circumferential slot through the outer spline teeth around the inner circumference of the inner side. The inner spline teeth are disposed in the inner circumferential slot. A pin extension is disposed in an inner groove an outer groove. The pin extension prevents the inner component from rotating with respect to the outer component. A method for retaining the inner and outer components is also provided.