Elastic Shaft Blocking Mechanism for High-Speed Drivetrain Latching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blocking mechanisms for vehicle shafts in drivetrains require significant installation space and energy for actuation, and fail to efficiently block the shaft at high rotational speeds, especially in emergency scenarios like motor failure on an incline.
Innovation Solution
A compact blocking mechanism using a form-fitting element with integrated elastic force transmission, which is actuated axially and longitudinally to engage with a shaft-mounted complement, allowing for latching engagement without high adjustment forces, and is integrated within the electric motor drive unit to save space and energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional blocking mechanism is used to block the shaft, then the shaft can be blocked, but significant installation space is required and high adjustment forces are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The form-fitting element is integrated into the blocking actuator housing, with the elastic force transmission portion nested within the form-fitting element structure. This nested arrangement allows the blocking mechanism to occupy minimal installation space while maintaining full blocking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic force transmission portion is merged with the form-fitting element as an integrated component rather than a separate element. This merging reduces the number of parts and simplifies the overall structure, contributing to compact installation space requirements.
2Reliability
If a conventional blocking mechanism is used to block the shaft, then the shaft can be blocked, but high adjustment forces are required from the actuator
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic force transmission portion is pre-loaded to store elastic energy before engagement. This preliminary action of pre-loading the spring element provides the necessary force to push the form-fitting element into the shaft-mounted complement, reducing the adjustment force required from the actuator.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic force transmission portion automatically provides the biasing force needed for engagement without requiring additional actuator force. The spring element self-generates the necessary force to maintain contact and enable latching engagement, making the system self-sufficient for force generation.
3Reliability
If the form-fitting element is biased against the shaft-mounted complement, then latching engagement can be achieved, but the actuator must apply high forces
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic force transmission portion continuously biases the form-fitting element against the shaft-mounted complement without requiring continuous actuator energy input. The stored elastic energy in the spring element maintains the biasing force passively, significantly reducing actuator energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element is pre-loaded during assembly or initial actuation to store elastic energy. This preliminary energy storage eliminates the need for the actuator to continuously apply high forces, reducing energy consumption during the blocking operation.
4Area of stationary object
If a compact blocking mechanism is implemented, then installation space is reduced, but the mechanism must still block the shaft at high rotational speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The form-fitting element is designed to move dynamically along the shaft during engagement. The element can radially expand or axially move to engage the shaft-mounted complement even at high rotational speeds, maintaining blocking capability while keeping the mechanism compact.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated structure with nested components allows the mechanism to maintain a compact form factor while incorporating the necessary elements for high-speed blocking operation. The elastic force transmission portion is nested within the form-fitting element, reducing overall size without compromising performance.
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 mechanism effectively blocks the shaft at high rotational speeds with minimal energy input, ensuring vehicle safety during emergencies and providing a compact, cost-effective design that reduces installation space and energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one elastic force transmission portion biases the form-fitting element against the shaft-mounted complement
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a blocking mechanism, such as of a vehicle. A form-fitting element positioned between a blocking actuator and a blockable shaft of a drivetrain. The form fitting element can be actuated in an axial stroke movement and longitudinally in relation to the shaft, and, in a state in which the form-fitting element bears against an end face of a shaft-mounted complement to which the form-fitting element can be partially form-fittingly coupled and be biased longitudinally in relation to the shaft and in defined fashion against the shaft-mounted complement by way of at least one elastic force transmission portion so as to be able to enter a latching engagement.