Clutch Lever Support Structure for Easy Replacement and Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional clutch-by-wire systems have a complex structure due to the need for a mechanism to apply an operating reactive force and a sensor for detecting the clutch lever's rotation angle, making it difficult to replace the clutch lever when design changes or damage occur, especially when only the part touched and operated by the occupant needs to be replaced.

Innovation Solution

A clutch-by-wire system with a clutch lever body, a main body support portion that rotates around a central axis, a reactive force generation device engaging with the main body support portion, and a rotation sensor detecting the rotation angle of the main body support portion, which simplifies the structure by integrating the reactive force generation and detection functions, allowing easy replacement of the clutch lever body.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the clutch lever is integrated with the reactive force generation device and sensor as a single member, then the structure is more compact, but the versatility and ease of replacement of the clutch lever body is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure of clutch leverVSAvoidversatility of clutch lever
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The clutch lever system is divided into separate components: the clutch lever body (60) that contacts the operator, the main body support portion (70) that engages with the reactive force generation device, and the reactive force generation device (130) itself. This segmentation allows the clutch lever body to be replaced independently without affecting the integrated control system, thus maintaining versatility while achieving structural simplification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If the clutch lever body is directly engaged with the reactive force generation device, then the structure is simpler, but the ease of replacement is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure of engaging portionVSAvoidease of replacement of clutch lever body
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The engagement structure is segmented into the main body support portion (70) that interfaces with the reactive force generation device (130) and the clutch lever body (60) that is separately replaceable. The main body support portion acts as an intermediary that maintains the complex engagement requirements while allowing the outer clutch lever body to be easily swapped.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The main body support portion (70) serves as an intermediary component between the clutch lever body (60) and the reactive force generation device (130). It contains the engagement structures for both components, allowing the clutch lever body to be replaced without disturbing the complex engagement mechanism with the reactive force generation device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If multiple engaging portions are provided close to the main body support portion, then the connection is more stable, but the structure becomes more complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of engagementVSAvoidstructure of main body support portion
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The main body support portion (70) is formed with an asymmetric U-shaped cross section that opens in a specific direction orthogonal to the rotation axis. This asymmetric geometry allows two engaging portions to be disposed at different locations (first location in opening direction, second location in opposite direction) with adequate spacing, providing stable engagement without excessive structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

4Stability of the object's composition

If the clutch lever body is inserted inside the main body support portion, then displacement is restricted, but the assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplacement restriction of clutch lever bodyVSAvoidassembly structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The clutch lever body (60) is inserted inside the U-shaped main body support portion (70), creating a nested configuration. The main body support portion acts as a holder that receives and constrains the clutch lever body, restricting its displacement in the axial direction while maintaining a relatively simple assembly structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 configuration simplifies the structure of the clutch lever, reduces the number of parts, prevents rattling and tilting, and provides a smooth operation feeling by allowing the clutch lever body to be easily replaced and integrated with the main body support and reactive force generation device, enhancing operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a reactive force generation device (130) which engages with the main body support portion (70) and generates an operation reactive force on the clutch lever body (60)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a rotation sensor (160) which detects a rotation angle of the main body support portion (70)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPosition detection:

Data Source

PatentEP3819742B1Clutch-by-wire system
Publication Date: 2023.04.26 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD
  • EP3819742B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3819742B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3819742B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A clutch-by-wire system includes a clutch lever body (60) which is operated by an occupant, a knocker (70) which engages with the clutch lever body (60) and rotates around a rotation axis (O), a reactive force generation device (130) which engages with the knocker (70) and generates an operation reactive force on the clutch lever body (60), and a rotation sensor (160) which detects a rotation angle of the knocker (70).