Concentric Multi-Clutch Transmission for Compact Heavy-Duty Shifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle transmissions are not compact, do not provide small gear steps, and experience power interruption during shifting, which increases fuel consumption and emissions, particularly in heavy-duty trucks.
Innovation Solution
A multi-clutch transmission system with coaxial input shafts and a clutch housing featuring selectively engageable and disengageable clutch plates and countershafts, controlled by an electronic system for smooth gear shifting and minimized power interruption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a conventional transmission design is used, then the transmission can be manufactured with standard components, but the transmission size is large and does not provide compact packaging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements concentric input shafts where the second input shaft is positioned inside the first input shaft, and the third input shaft is positioned inside the second input shaft. This nested arrangement allows multiple shafts to occupy the same radial space, dramatically reducing the overall transmission diameter and achieving compact packaging without excessive structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a conventional parallel shaft arrangement to a concentric/collinear arrangement where multiple input shafts share the same axial line. This dimensional reorganization allows the transmission to achieve compact radial dimensions while maintaining the necessary number of input shafts for multiple clutch operations.
2Use of energy by moving object
If conventional gear shifting is used, then the transmission can operate with standard gear ratios, but large steps between gears cause power interruption and increased fuel consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the gear shifting process into multiple independent clutch operations. Instead of disengaging all clutches during a shift, the system uses multiple clutches to maintain continuous power transmission while progressively changing gear ratios. This segmentation of the shifting function eliminates power interruption and reduces fuel consumption during transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous power transmission during gear shifts by maintaining engagement of at least one clutch throughout the shifting process. The multi-clutch design allows one clutch to remain engaged while another transitions, preventing any interruption in the useful action of power transmission from engine to wheels.
3Loss of time
If rapid gear shifting is attempted, then productivity is improved, but power interruption increases and engine operation stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prepares for gear shifts by pre-positioning clutch plates and synchronizing mechanisms before the actual shift occurs. The electronic control system anticipates required shifts and prepares the clutch engagement sequence in advance, allowing rapid execution without disrupting engine speed stability or causing power interruption.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi clutch transmission includes a first clutch plate mounted on a first input shaft, a second clutch plate mounted on a second input shaft arranged concentrically around the first input shaft, a third clutch plate mounted on a third input shaft arranged concentrically around the second input shaft, and a clutch housing comprising a plurality of reaction plates, the first, second, and third clutch plates being individually and selectively engageable and disengageable with reaction plates in the clutch housing. A multi clutch transmission can also include at least three countershafts arranged around the input shafts.