Drive Axle Inhibition on Steep Slopes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drive axle systems for vehicles lack effective control mechanisms to prevent shifting between speed ranges when vehicle inclination exceeds a certain threshold, leading to potential loss of drivetrain control and reduced performance on steep slopes.

Innovation Solution

A drive axle system incorporating an inclinometer to detect vehicle inclination and inhibit shifting between speed ranges when the inclination exceeds a predetermined threshold, ensuring safe and stable operation by maintaining the current speed range.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the drive axle system allows shifting between speed ranges on steep slopes, then the vehicle can maintain adaptability to changing road conditions, but the drivetrain control may be lost and vehicle stability reduced due to potential neutral gear engagement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to shift between speed rangesVSAvoiddrivetrain control stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

An inclinometer is introduced as an intermediary device to detect vehicle inclination and provide data to the control module. This intermediary sensor enables the system to objectively assess road conditions and make informed decisions about shifting operations, preventing shifts when inclination exceeds the threshold value and thus maintaining drivetrain control stability while preserving adaptability under safe conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The control module continuously receives inclination data from the inclinometer and uses this feedback to dynamically control the axle shift unit. When the inclination exceeds the predetermined threshold, the control module inhibits shifting operations. This feedback mechanism ensures the system adapts to changing road conditions while maintaining reliability by preventing unsafe shifts that could cause neutral gear engagement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Device complexity

If the drive axle system permits shifting operations without inclination monitoring, then the system remains simple in structure, but unintended shifting occurs on steep slopes leading to loss of traction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem structure simplicityVSAvoidshifting control reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The inclinometer serves as a minimal yet effective intermediary component that adds only the necessary functionality for safe operation. This single sensor integrates seamlessly into the existing control architecture, providing inclination data without significantly complicating the system structure, while effectively preventing unintended shifting and maintaining traction control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Prevents unintended shifting on steep slopes, maintaining drivetrain control and vehicle stability by preventing shifts that could result in neutral gear engagement and loss of traction.

Implementation Method 1

The inclinometer may detect inclination of the vehicle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS9121496B2Drive axle system and a method of control

Publication Date: 2015.09.01 ARVINMERITOR TECHNOLOGY LLC

AI summary

A drive axle system and a method of control. Shifting of a drive axle assembly between different speed ranges may be inhibited when the inclination of the vehicle exceeds a threshold value. An inclinometer may be used to detect inclination of the vehicle.