Transmission Dog Clutch Locking for Fixed Propeller Position
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking devices for propellers in roadable aircraft are complex, space-consuming, and costly, failing to efficiently manage propeller position and disconnection during automotive mode.
Innovation Solution
A transmission system with a sleeve and dog clutch mechanism that allows rotational locking of components in a predetermined position, integrating the lock within the transmission to minimize additional components and enable seamless mode switching between stationary and driving modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking device is added to lock the propeller during automotive mode, then the propeller can be kept stationary and in a predetermined position, but the design becomes more complicated, space-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is merged with the transmission system by integrating the sleeve and dog clutch into the existing transmission structure. The sleeve is rotationally locked to the first component and the dog clutch to the second component, combining the locking function with the existing rotational connection between components.
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeve and dog clutch mechanism serves multiple functions: it acts as both a locking mechanism for the propeller and a mode selection device. By displacing the sleeve axially, the system can switch between stationary mode (locked) and driving mode (unlocked), providing universal functionality for both propeller locking and mode transition.
2Reliability
If a locking device is added to lock the propeller during automotive mode, then the propeller can be kept stationary and in a predetermined position, but the transmission occupies more space
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism components (sleeve and dog clutch) are nested within the existing transmission structure. The sleeve is positioned on the first component and the dog clutch on the second component, utilizing the existing spatial arrangement of the transmission to accommodate the locking function without requiring additional external space.
3Reliability
If a locking device is added to lock the propeller during automotive mode, then the propeller can be kept stationary and in a predetermined position, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is merged with the transmission system by integrating the sleeve and dog clutch into the existing transmission structure. The sleeve is rotationally locked to the first component and the dog clutch to the second component, combining the locking function with the existing rotational connection between components.
4Reliability
If the sleeve and dog clutch are engageable only in a predetermined mutual rotation position, then the propeller is locked in a specific angular position for symmetry and balance, but the mechanism requires precise alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The dog clutch is designed with asymmetric features including a single tooth or an unequal number of teeth compared to the sleeve's corresponding features. This asymmetric design creates a unique engagement position that automatically aligns the sleeve and dog clutch in the predetermined mutual rotation position, ensuring the propeller is locked at the correct angular position for symmetry and balance.
Data Source
AI summary
A transmission includes a first component and a second component which are journaled for rotation relative to each other, and a locking mechanism for rotationally locking the first component and the second component relative to each other in a predetermined mutual rotation position. The locking mechanism includes a sleeve and a dog clutch, the sleeve being rotationally locked relative to the first component and the dog clutch being rotationally locked relative to the second component, the sleeve and the dog clutch being axially displaceable relative to each other for engagement of the sleeve and the dog clutch such that the first component and the second component are rotationally locked relative to each other, the sleeve and the dog clutch being engageable only in a mutual rotation position corresponding to the predetermined mutual rotation position of the first component and the second component.