Dual-Disk Axial Adjustment for Independent Drivetrain Actuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing axial adjustment devices in motor vehicles require multiple independent systems for mechanical component adjustment, leading to increased complexity, construction space, and costs.

Innovation Solution

A dual-disk axial adjustment device with rotatable and axially displaceable first and second disks, utilizing rolling elements in multi-step depressions for independent switching, integrated with an actuation arrangement for a clutch unit and parking lock mechanism, optimized for construction space and components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple independent adjustment systems are used for mechanical components, then each component can be adjusted independently, but the construction space, device complexity, and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent adjustment capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple adjustment functions into a single axial adjustment device with two disks. The first disk handles adjustment in the first circumferential direction, while the second disk handles adjustment in the second circumferential direction. Both disks share common components (rolling elements, depressions, slope structures), merging what would traditionally require separate independent systems into one integrated device, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining independent adjustment capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple independent adjustment systems are used for mechanical components, then each component can be adjusted independently, but the construction space required increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent adjustment capabilityVSAvoidconstruction space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple adjustment systems into a single compact axial adjustment device. The first and second disks are arranged axially with shared components (rolling elements positioned in depressions of both disks, common slope structures), eliminating the need for separate adjustment systems that would require additional space. This integration significantly reduces the construction space while preserving the ability to independently adjust mechanical components in different circumferential directions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple independent adjustment systems are used for mechanical components, then each component can be adjusted independently, but the costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent adjustment capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing costs

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reduces manufacturing costs by merging multiple adjustment systems into one axial adjustment device with shared components. The rolling elements, depressions, and slope structures serve both the first and second disks, eliminating redundant parts that would increase material costs, assembly complexity, and manufacturing time. This cost-effective design achieves independent adjustment of mechanical components without requiring multiple separate systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 independent actuation of two mechanical components within a motor vehicle drive train using a single actuator and axial adjustment device, reducing complexity and costs while optimizing construction space.

Implementation Method 1

The depressions each have a slope in the first circumferential direction from a lower dead centre towards an upper dead centre... when the first disk is rotated in a first circumferential direction, the rolling elements run from the lower dead centre in the direction of the upper dead centre, and therefore the first disk is rotated and displaced axially with respect to the second disk

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRamp mechanism: Inclined Plane

Data Source

PatentUS11852238B2Axial adjustment device and actuation arrangement comprising such an axial adjustment device

Publication Date: 2023.12.26 MAGNA POWERTRAIN AG & CO KG

AI summary

Axial adjustment device (1), comprising a first disk (2) which is rotatable and axially displaceable both in a first circumferential direction (I) and in a second circumferential direction (II), namely a circumferential direction counter to the first circumferential direction (I), and a second disk (3) which is locked against rotation in the first circumferential direction (I) and is rotatable in the second circumferential direction, wherein the second disk (3) has an activating element (8) on its end side facing away from the first disk (2), and wherein the first disk (2) and the second disk (3) each have, on their mutually facing end surfaces, at least three identically formed depressions (4) which lie opposite one another in each case in pairs and thus form at least three pairs of depressions, wherein a rolling element (5) is arranged in each of the pairs of depressions, wherein the depressions (4) each have a slope in the first circumferential direction (I) from a lower dead centre (6) towards an upper dead centre (7), and an actuation arrangement, comprising such an axial adjustment device.