Clutch Drum and Input Shaft Layout for Compact CVT Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing powertrain configurations for vehicles, such as tractors, often require additional countershafts and complex packaging for continuously variable power sources, leading to increased costs and reduced flexibility in motor placement within the transmission assembly.
Innovation Solution
A clutch arrangement featuring an independently rotating clutch drum that operates independently of the transmission input shaft, utilizing a bearing spacer to provide a conduit for clutch apply pressure, allowing for reduced complexity and space-efficient integration of electric machines within the transmission housing without the need for additional countershafts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional powertrain configurations are used with additional countershafts, then reliable power transmission is achieved, but device complexity and packaging space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch drum is merged with the transmission input shaft, eliminating the need for separate countershafts. The clutch apply mechanism is integrated into the input shaft structure, combining multiple functions into a single component assembly, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining power transmission reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission input shaft serves multiple functions: it transmits power from the engine, supports the clutch drum rotation, and provides the structural framework for clutch actuation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated countershafts, reducing complexity while preserving reliable power transmission
2Power
If additional countershafts are added for continuous variable power sources, then power transmission capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the clutch mechanism with the input shaft and eliminating separate countershafts, the number of parts requiring manufacturing, assembly, and quality control is reduced, directly lowering manufacturing costs while preserving continuous variable power transmission capability
3Volume of moving object
If complex packaging is used for continuously variable power sources, then adequate space for components is provided, but flexibility in motor placement is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch drum rotates independently around the input shaft, utilizing the radial dimension rather than requiring additional axial length. This spatial arrangement provides flexible motor placement options without requiring complex packaging, allowing electric motors to be positioned at various locations around the input shaft
4Volume of moving object
If independently rotating clutch drum is used, then packaging efficiency is improved, but clutch actuation mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch actuation mechanism is merged with the input shaft structure, with the apply piston and pressure path integrated into the shaft's internal geometry. This eliminates the need for separate actuation linkages, reducing the complexity increase that would otherwise result from the independently rotating clutch drum
Data Source
AI summary
One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for a clutch configuration and/or clutch operation. The clutch configuration includes an arrangement having a transmission input shaft having a conduit therethrough and a rotating clutch drum configured to rotatably couple to the transmission input shaft and operate independent of the transmission input shaft. The rotating clutch drum has a conduit complementary to the conduit of the transmission input shaft. The clutch arrangement further includes a bearing spacer between the transmission input shaft and the rotating clutch drum, wherein the bearing spacer has a conduit complementary to the conduit of the transmission input shaft and the conduit of the rotating clutch drum. The conduits of the bearing spacer, the transmission input shaft, and the rotating clutch drum define a clutch apply pressure path to control actuation of the rotating clutch drum.