Overrunning Drivetrain Disconnect With Dual One-Way Locking

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for an overrunning drivetrain component that can provide power in reverse and control regeneration while maintaining efficient operation.

Innovation Solution

A drivetrain component with a coupling member and a rotatable member, featuring first and second locking structures that selectively couple and decouple based on rotational direction, utilizing passive and active one-way clutches to manage torque transfer and overrunning modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single locking structure is used to couple the drivetrain component, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to handle multiple operating modes (forward power, reverse power, regeneration) is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperating mode capabilityVSAvoidlocking structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking structure is divided into two independent one-way clutches (first and second locking structures) that can operate independently or in combination. Each clutch handles specific operating modes: the first locking structure manages forward power and regeneration, while the second locking structure manages reverse power and regeneration. This segmentation allows the system to achieve multiple operating modes without requiring a completely new locking mechanism for each mode, thus improving adaptability while controlling complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each one-way clutch is designed to perform multiple functions across different operating modes. The first locking structure can lock during forward power transmission and also lock during regeneration. Similarly, the second locking structure can lock during reverse power transmission and regeneration. This multi-functionality allows a single clutch design to serve multiple purposes, reducing the need for mode-specific components and thereby controlling overall device complexity while maintaining high adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If traditional clutches are used without overrunning capability, then the torque transfer is reliable, but the torque delay and noise during engagement are increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetorque transfer reliabilityVSAvoidtorque delay

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs overrunning clutches that can dynamically transition between locked and overrunning states based on rotational direction and torque requirements. During normal operation, the clutches remain locked for reliable torque transfer. When the rotational direction changes or during regeneration, the clutches can overrun smoothly without abrupt engagement, eliminating torque delay and reducing noise. This dynamic behavior allows the system to maintain reliability when locking is needed while avoiding the drawbacks of traditional clutches during transitional states.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the drivetrain component locks in both directions to prevent overrunning, then the torque control is precise, but the regenerative capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetorque control precisionVSAvoidregenerative capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different locking characteristics to different directions of rotation. The first locking structure (one-way clutch) allows free rotation in one direction while locking in the opposite direction, and the second locking structure provides similar functionality for the other direction. This local differentiation of locking quality enables the drivetrain to maintain precise torque control when needed (forward and reverse power) while allowing overrunning during regeneration, thus achieving both torque control precision and regenerative capability simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

Enables efficient power transfer in one direction, overrunning in the opposite direction, and allows for regenerative capabilities with reduced torque delay and noise, suitable for various vehicle types.

Implementation Method 1

first locking structure selectively mechanically coupling the coupling member to the rotatable member, a second locking structure selectively mechanically coupling the coupling member to the rotatable member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOne-way clutch mechanism: Ratchet

Data Source

PatentUS12529417B2Drivetrain component

Publication Date: 2026.01.20 MEANS IND INC

AI summary

A drivetrain component provides an electronically controlled, overrunning drivetrain disconnect, such as a differential with different operating modes. The drivetrain component includes a coupling member and a rotatable member rotating about the central axis. A first locking structure selectively mechanically couples the coupling member to the rotatable member, and a second locking structure selectively mechanically couples the coupling member to the rotatable member. The first locking structure engages a locking abutment of the rotatable member, and the second locking structure engages a locking abutment of the rotatable member.