Eccentric Gearshift Actuator for Compact Gearbox Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electromechanical gearshift actuators require significant space and are not suitable for integration into compact gearboxes, especially in electric vehicles where axial installation space is limited.
Innovation Solution
A gearshift actuator driven by an eccentric electric motor with a rotating nut and a converter that converts torque into translational force, allowing for a compact design that can be integrated into limited spaces by using a transmission element such as a gear wheel, worm-gear drive, or belt drive, and featuring a self-locking mechanism for maintaining position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional electromechanical actuators are used, then reliable gearshift actuation is achieved, but significant assembling space is required which is not available in compact gearboxes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electric motor and rotating nut into a single integrated unit where the motor's rotor serves as the rotating nut, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall actuator volume while maintaining reliable electromechanical actuation
Solution Approach 2:
The converter mechanism is nested within the rotating nut structure, with conversion elements integrated inside the nut's cylindrical body, allowing the actuator to occupy minimal radial space while providing full conversion functionality
2Device complexity
If axial displacement actuators are used, then simple actuation mechanism is achieved, but extensive axial installation space is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from axial displacement to radial displacement by using eccentric rotation, where the converter converts rotational motion into radial translational motion of the actuation member, dramatically reducing axial installation space requirements while maintaining mechanism simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The converter acts as an intermediary mechanism between the rotating nut and actuation member, using pinned connections and geometric conversion to transform rotational input into radial translational output with minimal axial space
3Length of moving object
If compact design is implemented, then limited axial installation space is utilized, but positioning accuracy may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The converter mechanism provides self-centering through its geometric constraints and pinned connections, automatically maintaining precise positioning of the actuation member during radial translation without requiring additional positioning components or complex control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The symmetric geometric design of the converter creates equipotential positioning conditions where the actuation member is equally constrained in all radial directions, ensuring consistent and accurate positioning throughout the compact actuator volume
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
The compact design enables the gearshift actuator to be used in systems with limited axial installation space, providing efficient gear shifting without the need for extensive assembly space, and the self-locking mechanism ensures the actuation member remains in position even when the electric motor is disabled.
Implementation Method 1
a converter (125) adapted to convert a torque (M) of the rotating nut (110) into a translational force (F)
Implementation Method 2
The electric motor (50) is placed eccentrically with respect to an axis of the gear wheels (210, 220) and of the rotary shaft (230)
Data Source
AI summary
A gearshift actuator configured to be driven by an eccentric electric motor has a rotating nut configured to be driven by the electric motor, an actuation member, and a converter adapted to convert a torque of the rotating nut into a translational force and to provide the translational force as an actuating force for a gear shift.