Vehicle Drivetrain Coupling with Spring-Latched Fast Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling devices in drive trains of motor vehicles lack efficient mechanisms for quickly and reliably transitioning between coupled and decoupled states, leading to energy losses and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device utilizing an actuator, latching device, and spring element to displace a coupling element along a movement route, where the spring element's energy storage facilitates rapid transitions between coupling and decoupling positions, minimizing the need for high-performance actuators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a coupling device uses only an actuator to transition between coupled and decoupled states, then the switching time can be reduced, but the actuator requires high performance and high power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element is pre-loaded during the coupling state to store elastic potential energy. When decoupling is required, this pre-stored energy is released to rapidly propel the coupling element into the decoupled position, eliminating the need for a high-power actuator during the switching operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element serves a dual function: it automatically provides the force needed for rapid position transitions and also helps maintain the coupling element in the desired position once switched, reducing the continuous power consumption of the actuator.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a coupling device uses a spring element to assist positioning, then energy efficiency is improved, but the system complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element is integrated into the existing coupling device structure to perform multiple functions: providing restoring force for position transitions, assisting in maintaining coupling stability, and reducing actuator power requirements. This multi-functionality justifies the addition without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the coupling element is held in position by a latching device, then positioning stability is improved, but the switching speed may be reduced due to additional locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The latching device is pre-configured with latching surfaces and engagement features that allow for rapid one-action locking and unlocking. The spring element is simultaneously pre-loaded to provide immediate propulsive force, ensuring that once the latching constraint is released, the coupling element transitions rapidly to the target position.
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
The solution enables rapid and energy-efficient switching between coupled and decoupled states, reducing energy losses and maintaining system stability even in power failures.
Implementation Method 1
the spring element is simultaneously under load and loads the coupling element into the respective other position. The spring element can be further loaded by means of the actuator for transfer into the respective other position
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling device for coupling and decoupling a drive element with an output element of a drive train for a motor vehicle includes a coupling element, linearly displaceable from a coupling position to a decoupling position, a first latching device for fixing the coupling element in a one of the coupling position or the decoupling position, a first spring element for urging the coupling element into the other one of the coupling position or the decoupling position, and a first actuator arranged to cancel the fixing of the first latching device and to further load the first spring element to displace the coupling element into the other one of the coupling position or the decoupling position. In the coupling position, the coupling element couples the drive element with the output element, and, in the decoupling position, the drive element is decoupled from the output element.