Dual-Power Reducer Lock and Parking Structure for Off-Road Torque Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current dual power source driven reducers lack effective utilization of power during extreme off-road driving and have unreliable parking mechanisms, particularly on steep slopes, leading to incomplete parking and slipping risks.

Innovation Solution

A differential lock and parking structure comprising a movable and fixed fluted disc assembly with an electromagnetic armature, and a parking mechanism with a pawl assembly and cam system, allowing for power coupling and mechanical parking to enhance torque and safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If two power sources output power independently in dual power source driven reducer, then the structure is simple, but the ability of getting unstuck and off-road driving capability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoff-road driving capabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges two independent power sources into a unified driving system through a differential lock mechanism. When the differential lock is engaged, it couples the two power sources together, allowing them to work in unison and deliver combined torque to the wheels, thereby significantly improving off-road driving capability and ability to get unstuck while maintaining structural simplicity through the integration of existing components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If electronic brake is used for parking, then the structure is simple, but the reliability of parking is low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparking reliabilityVSAvoidparking mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electronic brake-based parking system with a purely mechanical parking mechanism. This mechanical system uses a parking gear, pawl, and spring assembly that physically locks the output shaft, providing reliable parking without relying on electronic systems. The mechanical nature of the solution ensures high reliability especially on steep slopes while adding minimal complexity to the existing structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Power

If differential lock mechanism is added to couple power sources, then the power coupling ability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower coupling abilityVSAvoidreducer structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The differential lock mechanism is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both a power coupling device for off-road driving and a torque distribution mechanism for normal driving conditions. By integrating the differential lock into the existing reducer structure and using components that serve dual purposes, the patent achieves power coupling capability without proportionally increasing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 effective power coupling between two power sources for improved off-road capability and reliable mechanical parking, enhancing the vehicle's ability to get unstuck and park safely on steep slopes.

Implementation Method 1

the fixed armature assembly is energized to generate an electromagnetic force to move the movable fluted disc assembly toward the fixed fluted disc assembly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Electromagnet

Data Source

PatentEP4122733B1Coupling device and parking structure for dual power source driving speed reducer
Publication Date: 2024.04.17 JING JIN ELECTRIC TECH CO LTD
  • EP4122733B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4122733B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4122733B1 patent drawingFigure 4(a)~4(b)

AI summary

A differential lock and a parking structure for a dual power source driven reducer is disclosed. The structure comprises a first shaft (6), a second shaft (7), a differential lock mechanism and a parking mechanism. The first shaft (6) and the second shaft (7) are directly or indirectly connected with two power sources respectively, and the differential lock mechanism and the parking mechanism are disposed at ends of the first shaft (6) and the second shaft (7). The differential lock mechanism comprises a movable fluted disc assembly (3), a fixed fluted disc assembly (4) and a fixed armature assembly (8). The parking mechanism comprises a parking gear integrated with a fixed fluted disc (41), a pawl assembly (1) and a parking cam assembly (2). The parking cam assembly (2) drives the pawl assembly (1) to switch between a parking-in position and a parking-out position. The structure locks the relative rotation between the two power sources through the differential lock mechanism, couples the power of the two power sources, realizes the power transmission according to demand, improves the maximum torque of the single output, and thus improves the ability of the vehicle to get unstuck when it is stuck in a swamp, mud pit, etc.