Actuation Assembly for Mechanical Diode Clutch Spin Loss Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional transmission systems face inefficiencies in power transfer due to spin losses and increased fuel consumption, particularly in clutch designs that do not effectively manage power distribution between input and output members.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a mechanical diode clutch system with an actuation assembly comprising an outer and inner member, a strut, and a shift sleeve, where the actuation assembly includes a plate with legs and a mechanism coupled to the shift sleeve, allowing for controlled movement between unapply and apply positions to induce contact with the strut, optimizing power transfer by locking in one direction and free-wheeling in the other.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional clutch designs are used to transfer power from input member to output member, then power transfer is achieved, but spin losses increase and fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch assembly is segmented into multiple independent clutches (first clutch, second clutch, third clutch) that can operate independently. Each clutch has its own actuation mechanism (actuation plate, strut, spring) that can engage or disengage separately, allowing selective power transfer paths to minimize spin losses while maintaining overall power transfer capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch assembly uses dynamic actuation mechanisms where springs can be compressed and extended, and actuation plates can move between engaged and disengaged positions. This dynamic capability allows the system to adaptively select optimal power transfer paths based on operating conditions, reducing spin losses while maintaining power transfer efficiency.
2Use of energy by moving object
If conventional clutch designs are used, then power transfer is achieved, but fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission system is divided into multiple clutch segments that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows the system to optimize power transfer paths to minimize energy loss and reduce fuel consumption while maintaining the required power transfer capability from input shaft to output shaft.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by selectively engaging different clutch combinations based on driving conditions. By varying which clutches are engaged (parameter change), the system optimizes power transfer efficiency across different operating regimes, thereby reducing fuel consumption while maintaining productivity.
3Loss of energy
If a mechanical diode clutch system with actuation assembly is implemented, then power transfer efficiency is improved by minimizing spin losses, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple clutch mechanisms are merged into a single integrated clutch assembly structure. The actuation plates, struts, and springs are combined into one unified mechanism that controls multiple clutches simultaneously, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the capability to minimize spin losses through selective engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation assembly is designed with multi-functionality where a single actuation mechanism can engage or disengage multiple clutches. The actuation plate and strut assembly serves universal functions of controlling power transfer paths for different clutch combinations, simplifying the overall system while achieving energy loss reduction.
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 solution enhances power transfer efficiency by minimizing spin losses and reducing fuel consumption, providing improved shifting performance and packaging advantages compared to traditional clutch designs.
Implementation Method 1
The mechanical diode clutch assembly can include an outer member, an inner member, and a strut. The actuation assembly can include a plate having an apply portion and a plurality of legs... A mechanism can be coupled to the apply portion of the plate. The mechanism can include at least one biasing member. The plate can be moveable between an unapply position and an apply position such that a movement from the unapply position to the apply position induces contact between the mechanism and the strut.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an actuation assembly for applying a mechanical diode clutch. The clutch includes an outer member, an inner member, and a strut. The actuation assembly includes a plate having an apply portion and a plurality of legs, where each of the plurality of legs has a first end coupled to the apply portion and a second end adapted to couple to a shift sleeve. A mechanism is coupled to the apply portion of the plate. The mechanism includes at least one biasing member. The plate is moveable between an unapply position and an apply position such that a movement from the unapply position to the apply position induces contact between the mechanism and the strut.