Sequential Transmission Dual-Drum Shifting for Block-Out Events
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated sequential transmissions (AST) face issues with smooth transitions between gear positions due to block-out events, which can prevent vehicles from shifting gears effectively.
Innovation Solution
The AST incorporates a shift fork mechanism with a first and second drum configuration, where the second drum moves relative to the first drum based on a control input and a biasing member, and includes actuators to manage gear shifts, ensuring smooth transitions even in the presence of block-out events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional automated sequential transmission shifts gears sequentially through a single drum mechanism, then the structure remains simple, but block-out events prevent smooth transitions between gear positions
Solution Approach 1:
The single drum mechanism is segmented into two independent drums (first drum and second drum), each responsible for different aspects of gear shifting. The first drum handles normal gear transitions while the second drum specifically addresses block-out events, allowing the system to maintain reliability without excessive complexity by dividing functions into manageable segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The second drum acts as an intermediary mechanism between the shift fork and the gear interface during block-out events. When the first drum encounters a block-out condition, the second drum provides an alternative pathway to complete the gear transition, mediating the conflict between maintaining sequential simplicity and ensuring reliable gear changes.
2Reliability
If the AST uses a single drum for gear shifting, then the device complexity is low, but block-out events cause failed gear engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The second drum is pre-configured with tracks and positions that correspond to block-out scenarios. Before a block-out event occurs, the second drum is already in position to receive the shift fork, allowing immediate intervention when a block-out is detected, thereby ensuring gear engagement success without adding complex real-time decision-making mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between using the first drum for normal operations and the second drum for block-out events. This dynamic allocation of drum usage allows the system to maintain low complexity during standard operation while providing enhanced reliability when needed, adapting the level of complexity to the operational requirements.
3Reliability
If the second drum is added to handle block-out events, then gear shifting reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first drum and second drum are merged into a coordinated system where both drums work together through a shared shift fork and control mechanism. This merging allows the system to achieve high transition smoothness by combining the functions of both drums while avoiding the complexity of completely independent drum systems, as they share common control elements and spatial arrangement.
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
This design enables seamless gear shifting by addressing block-out events, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of automated sequential transmissions.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member, the biasing member biasing the second drum towards the first position
Data Source
AI summary
A driveline assembly for a recreational vehicle may include an engine and an automated sequential transmission.