Clutch Arrangement Slotted-Link Guide Locking Mechanism

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Clutch arrangements in motor vehicle drive trains are complex to implement and prone to hysteresis phenomena during locking and unlocking, requiring complex devices for setting and releasing locking devices.

Innovation Solution

A clutch arrangement with a slotted-link guide having different guide sections allows for the locked position to be reached and exited without reversing the actuator section movement, using a spring arrangement to overcome the closed position and a mechanical blocking device to absorb large forces, enabling a compact and efficient design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a locking device is used to keep the clutch closed, then the clutch can be maintained in a closed position with minimal energy input, but the devices for setting and releasing the locking devices become relatively complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy input for maintaining clutch closedVSAvoidcomplexity of setting and releasing locking devices

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The guide for the actuator section is segmented into two distinct guide sections: a first guide section for advancing the actuator section to the locked position, and a second guide section for retracting the actuator section from the locked position. This segmentation allows each guide section to be optimized for its specific function, simplifying the overall locking mechanism while maintaining energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent inverts the traditional approach by using the actuator section's own movement path (through differently shaped guide sections) to enable locking and unlocking, rather than adding separate complex setting and releasing devices. The guide geometry itself performs the locking function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If the actuator section is moved beyond the closed position to bring about the locked position, then hysteresis phenomena are avoided, but the movement path becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveavoidance of hysteresis phenomenaVSAvoidcomplexity of movement path

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The guide sections are arranged in different spatial orientations (dimensions) to accommodate the extended movement path. The first guide section and second guide section are positioned at different angles and locations, allowing the actuator section to move beyond the closed position in a controlled manner without creating mechanical interference or hysteresis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If a slotted-link guide with different guide sections is used, then the activation process is simplified and hysteresis is reduced, but the guide structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of activation processVSAvoidcomplexity of guide structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The slotted-link guide structure serves multiple functions: it guides the actuator section during advancement, enables locking by allowing movement beyond the closed position, and facilitates unlocking through the second guide section. This multi-functionality simplifies the overall activation process while consolidating what might otherwise require separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The solution simplifies the activation of clutch arrangements, reduces hysteresis, and allows for energy-efficient operation by maintaining the clutch in a closed position with minimal energy input, while withstanding significant forces and high-frequency oscillations.

Implementation Method 1

using a spring arrangement to overcome the closed position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The clutch of the clutch arrangement is preferably embodied as a friction clutch, in particular as a wet-running multi-disc clutch

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS8905215B2Clutch arrangement, motor vehicle drive train and clutch activation method

Publication Date: 2014.12.09 MAGNA PT BV & CO KG

AI summary

A clutch arrangement for connecting two components, which can rotate relative to one another, of a motor vehicle drive train, in particular for connecting two shafts of a transmission or a shaft to an idler gear rotatably mounted on the shaft. The clutch arrangement has a clutch and an actuator arrangement. The clutch is opened in a first actuator position of an actuator section of the actuator arrangement. The clutch arrangement has a locking device for locking the actuator section in a locked position to keep the clutch closed. The locking device has a slotted-link guide with a first guide section and a second guide section for the actuator section, wherein the locked position can be reached from the first actuator position via the first guide section, and wherein the first actuator position can be reached from the locked position via the second guide section.