Clutch Collar Axle Shift Mechanism With Hydraulic Piston
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing axle assemblies with clutch collars lack an efficient mechanism for shifting the clutch collar between engagement and disengagement positions, leading to complexity and increased weight.
Innovation Solution
The axle assembly incorporates a clutch collar shift mechanism that includes a piston, a bearing assembly, and a biasing member, allowing the clutch collar to move between positions using pressurized fluid and a compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a clutch collar shift mechanism is added to enable the clutch collar to move between engagement and disengagement positions, then the functionality and versatility of the axle assembly is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the clutch collar shift mechanism with the existing piston and bearing assembly. The piston is integrated to directly actuate the clutch collar axially, merging the shifting function with the existing hydraulic actuation system. This integration reduces the need for separate shifting components and simplifies the overall mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The piston serves multiple functions: it acts as both a hydraulic actuator for clutch engagement/disengagement and as part of the shift mechanism to move the clutch collar axially. The bearing assembly also supports both rotational movement and axial positioning. This multi-functionality reduces the number of dedicated components needed for shifting.
2Reliability
If a clutch collar shift mechanism with piston and bearing assembly is implemented, then the clutch collar can be reliably positioned between engagement and disengagement positions, but the weight of the axle assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing member (spring) automatically returns the clutch collar to its default position (engagement or disengagement) when hydraulic pressure is released. The mechanism uses the existing hydraulic pressure cycles to perform both the forward action (engagement/disengagement via piston) and the return action (via spring biasing), eliminating the need for additional heavy actuators or counterbalancing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses hydraulic pressure applied to the piston to achieve reliable clutch collar positioning. The fluid pressure provides precise and controllable axial movement of the clutch collar, ensuring reliable engagement and disengagement positions without requiring heavy mechanical locking mechanisms or complex positioning systems.
3Ease of operation
If the clutch collar is made moveable along the axis with respect to the shaft, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical shifting linkages with a hydraulic actuation system. Pressurized fluid acts on the piston to directly move the clutch collar axially, eliminating the need for mechanical shift forks, levers, or cable systems. This substitution simplifies the mechanism while improving ease of operation through fluid-powered actuation.
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 solution simplifies the shift mechanism, reduces weight, and improves packaging efficiency, resulting in a more compact, lighter, and easier-to-service axle assembly.
Implementation Method 1
The biasing member may be encircled by the piston. The biasing member may urge the clutch collar and the piston to move along the axis. The biasing member may urge the clutch collar and the piston to move along the axis from the second position toward the first position.
Implementation Method 2
The clutch collar is moveable along the axis when a pressurized fluid is provided to the cavity.
Data Source
AI summary
An axle assembly having a clutch collar. The axle assembly includes a shaft, a piston, a bearing assembly, and the clutch collar. The piston encircles the clutch collar. The bearing assembly extends from the piston to the clutch collar and facilitates rotation of the clutch collar with respect to the piston.