Clutch Unit Segmented Locking Elements for Rapid Torque Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle drive units face challenges in efficiently coupling and decoupling input and output elements, particularly in electric and hybrid vehicles, where disconnecting transmission elements is necessary to avoid unnecessary rotating masses, but current spline interfaces require synchronization of rotation speed, delaying torque application.
Innovation Solution
A clutch unit comprising rotatably mounted outer and inner rings with movable locking elements and displacement elements, allowing for active control of rotational connections between input and output elements, enabling fast connection and disconnection with reduced weight compared to spline clutches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If spline interfaces are used to connect and disconnect transmission elements, then the connection and disconnection function is achieved, but the rotation speed synchronization requirement delays torque application
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch mechanism segments the connection function into multiple independent locking elements (at least two locking elements) that can engage with corresponding recesses in the rings. This segmentation allows the connection to be established without requiring full rotation speed synchronization, as each locking element can independently engage with its corresponding recess, thereby reducing torque application delay while maintaining the connection function
Solution Approach 2:
The locking elements and their corresponding recesses act as intermediary structures that facilitate connection between the two rings. These intermediaries provide a mechanical interface that allows torque transmission without requiring direct rotational synchronization between the rings, thus eliminating the torque application delay associated with spline interfaces while maintaining operational simplicity
2Weight of moving object
If spline clutches are used for connection and disconnection, then the function is achieved, but the weight is higher compared to the locking element solution
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential connection function from the complex spline clutch structure and implements it through simpler locking elements and recesses. By taking out only the necessary components (locking elements, recesses, and displacement elements) required to achieve connection and disconnection, the design achieves the same functional result with significantly reduced weight while maintaining the connection and disconnection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The locking elements are designed as simpler, lighter components compared to spline clutch elements. These locking elements can be easily manufactured and replaced, providing the same connection function with less material and lower weight. The design prioritizes functional adequacy over structural complexity, using simpler components that achieve the desired result without the weight penalty of traditional spline clutches
Data Source
AI summary
A clutch unit for a drive unit, comprising: at least one outer ring and one inner ring, wherein the rings are mounted rotatably relative to each other, the outer ring being configured to be in operative engagement with a first component of a drive unit of a vehicle and the inner ring being configured to be in operative engagement with a second component of a drive unit of a vehicle; at least one first locking element; at least one first displacement element; the at least one first locking element being movably mounted on one of the rings and being movable by the displacement element in order to engage in a corresponding recess of the other ring a rotationally fixed connection of the two rings in at least a first direction of rotation being provided.