Electromagnetic Clutch Actuation for Compact Torque Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power transmission devices for vehicles, particularly those using rotary machines and clutches, face challenges with the size and installation complexity of actuators, and issues with clutch engagement and disengagement reliability due to positional dependencies and viscosity effects, which require additional detection mechanisms, limiting design flexibility and increasing installation labor.
Innovation Solution
A power transmission device incorporating a solenoid that generates magnetic flux to drive a rotor, converting rotational motion into linear motion to control a clutch, allowing for compact and reliable connection and disconnection of torque transmission, eliminating the need for additional detection devices by ensuring the actuator's position reflects the clutch state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a hydraulic cylinder or motor cam mechanism is used as an actuator, then the actuator can linearly move to connect and disconnect a dog clutch, but the actuator requires a relatively large structure projecting transversely from a shaft, limiting design of the vehicle body
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the actuator and detection device into a single integrated unit. The actuator housing serves as the carrier for the detection device, eliminating the need for separate installation structures. This merging reduces the overall transverse projection area and simplifies the vehicle body design while maintaining both clutch control and detection functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection device is nested within the actuator housing. The detection device is positioned inside the actuator's structural envelope, allowing it to share the same spatial footprint. This nesting arrangement eliminates additional transverse projection and reduces the overall actuator size while maintaining both functions.
2Volume of stationary object
If a solenoid actuator is used, then the actuator can be installed coaxially with the rotary machine and is sufficiently compact, but additional devices are required to detect whether the clutch is connected or not
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the detection device with the actuator structure. The detection device is integrated into the actuator housing and utilizes the actuator's existing components (such as the plunger position) to detect clutch state. This eliminates the need for separate detection elements and reduces overall device complexity while maintaining compact volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator housing serves multiple functions: it houses the solenoid mechanism, provides structural support, and simultaneously serves as the carrier for the detection device. The detection device uses the actuator's own components (plunger position, magnetic field) for detection, making the system multi-functional without adding volume.
3Reliability
If additional detection devices are added to the solenoid actuator, then clutch state can be detected reliably, but the benefits offered by the solenoid actuator are reduced due to additional installation work
Solution Approach 1:
The detection device is integrated into the actuator housing as a unified assembly. The detection device shares the same mounting interface and structural support as the actuator, eliminating separate installation steps. This merging maintains reliable detection while simplifying manufacturing and installation processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection device is pre-integrated with the actuator housing during manufacturing. The detection elements are positioned and secured within the actuator structure before the final assembly is delivered to the vehicle. This preliminary integration eliminates on-site installation complexity while ensuring reliable detection 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
The solution enables compact, reliable, and efficient torque transmission in vehicles, reducing installation complexity and design constraints while ensuring accurate clutch control without additional detection mechanisms, enhancing the actuator's operational reliability and design flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
a solenoid generating a magnetic flux in response to input of electric power
Implementation Method 2
a rotor so disposed as to receive the magnetic flux from the stator and, as driven by the received magnetic flux, creating a rotational motion about the axis
Data Source
AI summary
A power transmission device is provided with: a rotary body arranged to receive the torque to rotate about an axis; a clutch including a clutch member engaging with the rotary body and axially movable and clutch teeth connectable with the clutch member to transmit the torque; a solenoid configured to generate a magnetic flux in response to input of electric power; a stator coupled with the solenoid as to conduct the magnetic flux and prevented from rotation about the axis; a rotor arranged to receive the magnetic flux from the stator and, when driven by the received magnetic flux, to create a rotational motion about the axis; and a conversion mechanism drivingly connected with the rotor to convert the rotational motion into a linear motion in a direction along the axis, the conversion mechanism including a thrust member transmitting the linear motion to the clutch member.