Concentric Dual Clutch Transmission Layout for Compact Six-Speed Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dual clutch transmissions with a large number of shifting stages face challenges in compact vehicle designs due to increased length, compromising mountability, especially in front engine front drive vehicles with limited space.
Innovation Solution
A dual clutch transmission configuration with concentric and parallel shafts, utilizing a minimal number of gear columns and synchronizers to achieve six forward and one reverse stage, optimizing space and maintaining compactness while ensuring excellent fuel efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the transmission implements a large number of shifting stages, then fuel efficiency is improved, but the whole length of the transmission increases, compromising vehicle mountability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs nested gear arrangements where gears are positioned within the hollow shaft structure. Specifically, the hollow shaft contains internal gear mechanisms, allowing multiple gear columns to be arranged concentrically. This nesting approach enables six forward stages and one reverse stage to be achieved within a compact axial length, as gears are stacked radially rather than extending linearly
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a conventional linear gear arrangement to a three-dimensional concentric configuration. By utilizing the radial dimension through hollow shafts and multiple gear columns arranged at different radii, the transmission achieves multiple shifting stages without increasing axial length. The parallel shafts and engaged gears create a spatial distribution that packs more gear ratios into the same axial footprint
2Adaptability or versatility
If the transmission implements a large number of shifting stages, then more gear ratios are available, but the device complexity increases with more gear columns and synchronizers
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow shaft serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a structural support element, a mounting platform for gears, and a space-saving concentric arrangement for multiple gear columns. The engaged gears on parallel shafts provide both power transmission and gear ratio multiplication. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby lowering overall device complexity despite achieving six forward and one reverse stage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple gear columns and synchronizer mechanisms into a unified concentric arrangement around the hollow shaft. Rather than using separate parallel transmission paths, the gear columns are merged spatially within the same axial envelope. The synchronizers are integrated into the gear column structure, allowing gear engagement and ratio changes without requiring independent control mechanisms for each stage
Data Source
AI summary
A dual clutch transmission may include a first input shaft, a second input shaft, a first output shaft and a second output shaft; a first gear constrained to the first input shaft; a second gear and a third gear constrained to the second input shaft; a fourth gear provided to constrain the rotation to the second input shaft; a fifth gear which is engaged with the third gear; a sixth gear which is gear-engaged with the fourth gear; a seventh gear which is engaged with the first gear; an eighth gear which is gear-engaged with the second gear; and a ninth gear which is gear-engaged with the fourth gear.