Coaxial Double Clutch Transmission With Hollow Shaft Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing double clutch transmissions for electric vehicles face challenges in optimizing installation space and actuation accessibility, particularly in electric vehicles where compact designs are crucial, and existing solutions do not efficiently adapt to available space while maintaining operational flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A double clutch transmission design featuring a coaxial arrangement of component clutches with a hollow second driven shaft surrounding the first driven shaft, allowing for axial actuation through a flange section, and utilizing multiple disk clutches actuated by pressure plates, which reduces installation space requirements and enhances accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If component clutches are arranged in a compact coaxial configuration, then installation space is reduced, but actuation accessibility becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The first driven shaft is nested within the hollow second driven shaft, creating a compact coaxial arrangement where the first component clutch is positioned inside the second component clutch. This nesting reduces the overall radial space requirement while maintaining separate actuation paths through the hollow interior of the second driven shaft.
Solution Approach 2:
A common actuating device is introduced as an intermediary mechanism that can actuate both the first and second component clutches through different actuating paths. This mediator enables compact space utilization while maintaining accessibility, as the actuating forces are transmitted through intermediate elements (such as pressure plates and release mechanisms) that reach the clutches from accessible locations.
2Ease of operation
If a hollow second driven shaft is used to allow axial actuation, then actuation accessibility is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow second driven shaft serves multiple functions: it acts as a structural transmission element, provides a passage for actuating the first component clutch, and supports the mounting of the second component clutch on its outer surface. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall structure despite the hollow configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The driven shaft system is segmented into a hollow second driven shaft and a separate first driven shaft that rotates within it. This segmentation allows independent actuation paths for each component clutch while maintaining a unified transmission structure, balancing accessibility requirements with structural efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple disk clutches with pressure plates are used, then gear shifting capability is enhanced, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple disk clutch elements and pressure plates are merged into integrated assemblies where the pressure plates serve dual functions of actuating their respective clutches and providing mounting surfaces. The first and second component clutches share a common actuating device and coordinated control mechanism, reducing the total number of independent components and simplifying manufacturing.
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 saves installation space, allows flexible adaptation to electric vehicle designs, and enables cost-effective manufacturing while maintaining operational flexibility and efficient gear shifting capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a first release bearing and a second release bearing, wherein the driver of the first actuating unit can be actuated in the axial direction via the first release bearing and the first component clutch can be actuated in the axial direction by the driver via the second release bearing
Data Source
AI summary
A double clutch transmission (10) for an electric vehicle including an input shaft (40) coupled to a first output shaft (41) and coupled to a second output shaft (42) configured as a hollow shaft, a first component clutch (11), and a second component clutch (12). The second output shaft (42) includes a flange section (65) extending in the radial direction (r). The first component clutch (11) can be actuated by a first actuating unit (51) including a driver engaging through the flange section (65) in the axial direction (x) and is connected fixedly to the second output shaft (42) so as to rotate with it. The driver can be actuated in the axial direction (x) via a first release bearing, and the first component clutch (11) can be actuated in the axial direction (x) by the driver via a second release bearing.