Clutch Engagement Speed via Spring-Assisted Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dog clutches actuated by electric motors cannot engage quickly enough, limiting the speed of secondary axle engagement in motor vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A clutch design where an electric motor is used only for disengagement, and a spring element is used for engagement, allowing faster closure by storing energy for quick clutch part engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If an electric motor is used to actuate the clutch in both directions, then the clutch can be opened and closed controllably, but the closing speed is insufficient and secondary axle engagement is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element is pre-tensioned during clutch opening to store elastic potential energy, which is then released during clutch closing to achieve high closing speed. This preliminary energy storage enables the clutch to close rapidly without requiring a high-speed motor.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating mechanism uses periodic motor rotation to first tension the spring (opening phase) and then release it (closing phase). This periodic action converts slow motor rotation into rapid clutch closing by utilizing the spring's elastic energy release.
2Ease of operation
If a motor acts on the shift member in both directions, then bidirectional control is achieved, but the motor must be high-speed and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element acts as an intermediary between the motor and the clutch engagement process. The motor only needs to tension the spring during opening, while the spring itself mediates the rapid closing action, eliminating the need for a high-speed bidirectional motor.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element serves dual functions: it stores energy during clutch opening and automatically releases this energy to drive clutch closing. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for active motor control during the closing phase.
3Speed
If the spring element is used for clutch closing, then closing speed increases, but the motor must tension the spring during opening
Solution Approach 1:
The motor performs preliminary work during clutch opening by tensioning the spring and storing elastic energy. This preliminary energy storage is then utilized during closing, reducing the need for continuous high-power motor operation and optimizing overall energy consumption.
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
Enables faster engagement of the secondary axle by utilizing spring force for clutch closure, improving the speed of secondary drive axle activation in motor vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element is provided for the movement of the shift member in the second direction, i.e. in the closing direction... the spring element stores the energy taken up until an engagement of the clutch parts is commanded which is then achieved by a discharge of the spring element
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a clutch having two clutch parts which can be brought into engagement in form fitted manner for the torque transfer; and a shift member which is movable in a first direction to bring the clutch parts out of engagement and is movable in a second direction to bring the clutch parts into engagement. A motor is provided for the movement of the shift member in the first direction and a spring element is provided for the movement of the shift member in the second direction.