Controllable Coupling Assembly Eliminates Control Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing one-way clutch and coupling assemblies in vehicular automatic transmissions require a control element for shifting movement between coupling members, which can be complex and prone to mechanical failures.
Innovation Solution
A controllable coupling assembly that eliminates the need for a control element, utilizing a control member with actuators and biasing members to shift between overrun and locked modes, where struts engage locking formations to couple or decouple the coupling members based on rotational direction, using springs to actuate strut movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a control element is used to shift between coupling members, then directional control of torque transfer is achieved, but device complexity increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the control element entirely from the system. Instead of having a separate control component that shifts between coupling members, the design integrates the control function directly into the coupling members themselves through the strut mechanism that automatically engages and disengages based on rotational direction, thereby eliminating the source of mechanical failure while maintaining directional control
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling assembly performs its own control function without requiring an external control element. The struts are spring-biased to automatically engage locking formations in one rotational direction and disengage in the opposite direction, making the system self-regulating and eliminating the need for separate control mechanisms
2Reliability
If a control element is used to shift between coupling members, then directional control of torque transfer is achieved, but mechanical failure risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the control element entirely from the system. Instead of having a separate control component that shifts between coupling members, the design integrates the control function directly into the coupling members themselves through the strut mechanism that automatically engages and disengages based on rotational direction, thereby eliminating the source of mechanical failure while maintaining directional control
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling assembly performs its own control function without requiring an external control element. The struts are spring-biased to automatically engage locking formations in one rotational direction and disengage in the opposite direction, making the system self-regulating and eliminating the need for separate control mechanisms
3Device complexity
If struts are used to engage locking formations without a control element, then device complexity is reduced, but control precision over strut engagement must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The struts are pre-biased by springs to be in a ready-to-engage position before rotation occurs. The locking formations are pre-positioned on the coupling members such that when rotation begins, the struts automatically engage without requiring precise real-time control, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining functional precision
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling assembly performs its own control function without requiring an external control element. The struts are spring-biased to automatically engage locking formations in one rotational direction and disengage in the opposite direction, making the system self-regulating and eliminating the need for separate control mechanisms
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
Simplifies the mechanism by eliminating the need for a control element, enhancing reliability and reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining directional control of torque transfer, allowing for efficient operation in both overrun and locked modes.
Implementation Method 1
at least one control member biasing member which exerts a biasing force on the control member along the rotational axis
Implementation Method 2
Each passage of the set of passages has an actuator received thereby to actuate its respective strut within its respective pocket so that its respective strut moves into contact with the locking formations
Data Source
AI summary
A controllable coupling assembly including a coupling member and an overrunning coupling and control assembly utilizing same are provided wherein a set of actuators are supported on a control member of the assembly for movement therewith to move or pivot respective struts received within pockets of the coupling member. Apparatus is responsive to a control pressure signal to exert a control force on the control member to cause the control member to move from its first position which corresponds to a first mode of the coupling assembly to its second position which corresponds to a second mode of the coupling assembly. The coupling assembly may be an overrunning clutch assembly.