Dual One-Way Clutch Assembly for Bidirectional Torque Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current clutch assemblies in vehicle power trains lack efficient mechanisms for controlling power flow and torque transfer in both forward and reverse directions, with passive clutches relying on speed and direction to engage or overrun, and active clutches requiring complex actuation systems for dynamic control.

Innovation Solution

A dual-clutch assembly system comprising a passive one-way clutch that automatically engages or overruns based on speed and direction, and an active one-way clutch with a dynamically controllable locking element, allowing for seamless torque transfer in one direction while enabling overrun conditions, and an actuator-controlled mechanism for reversing torque direction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a passive one-way clutch is used for automatic engagement based on speed and direction, then the control simplicity is improved, but the ability to control torque transfer in both forward and reverse directions is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol simplicityVSAvoidtorque transfer control capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines a passive one-way clutch and an active one-way clutch into a single clutch assembly. The passive clutch provides automatic engagement based on speed and direction with simple control, while the active clutch adds the capability to control torque transfer in both forward and reverse directions. This merging allows the system to achieve both control simplicity and versatile torque management simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If an active one-way clutch with dynamic control is used, then the torque transfer control capability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to actuation mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque transfer control capabilityVSAvoidactuation system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the passive and active clutch mechanisms into a single assembly, the patent achieves versatile torque transfer control without requiring separate actuation systems. The passive clutch handles automatic engagement while the active clutch provides dynamic control, eliminating the need for additional complex actuation mechanisms that would be required if separate systems were used.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate active and passive clutch systems are used to achieve bidirectional torque control, then the torque transfer capability is improved, but the overall system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebidirectional torque controlVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates both active and passive clutch systems into a single unified clutch assembly. This merging allows bidirectional torque control to be achieved while minimizing overall system complexity, as the two clutch types work together within one integrated structure rather than requiring separate systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If a dual-clutch assembly with both active and passive one-way clutches is used, then the power flow management capability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower flow management capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By combining the active and passive clutch mechanisms into a single integrated assembly, the patent enables advanced power flow management capability while reducing manufacturing complexity compared to producing and assembling separate clutch systems. The integrated design allows for streamlined manufacturing processes and simplified assembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS12092172B2Controllable clutch assembly
Publication Date: 2024.09.17 MEANS IND INC
  • US12092172B2 patent drawing
  • US12092172B2 patent drawing
  • US12092172B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A clutch assembly or module that includes multiple components and one-way clutches. The clutch assembly or module functions as a releasable torque transmitting mechanism that provides a mechanical engagement between mating parts wherein the multiple components and one-way clutches cooperate to control the torque flow path between a drive or input member and a driven or output member.