EV Gear Shifting Mechanism With Sliding Sleeve Power Continuity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current gear shifting mechanisms in electric vehicles experience power interruption during gear shifting, affecting driving stability due to the disengagement of one-way clutches caused by power fluctuations, which limits the efficiency and torque output at high rotational speeds.

Innovation Solution

A gear shifting mechanism incorporating a gear, gear hub, one-way clutch, and sliding apparatus with a supporting frame, rolling component, and sliding sleeve, where the second toothed structure stably meshes with the first toothed structure to prevent power loss and ensure stable power transmission, allowing for synchronous or differential rotation based on the clutch's state.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a one-way clutch is used in the gear shifting mechanism, then the gear shifting process can be simplified, but power transmission stability deteriorates due to clutch disengagement caused by power fluctuations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegear shifting mechanism complexityVSAvoidpower transmission stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a sliding apparatus as an intermediary component between the gear and gear hub. This sliding apparatus includes a sliding sleeve that can move axially to maintain continuous meshing between toothed structures during gear shifting, thereby preventing power transmission interruptions while keeping the one-way clutch mechanism simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The sliding apparatus is designed to engage the toothed structures before the one-way clutch fully disengages during gear shifting. This preliminary engagement ensures that power transmission is maintained continuously, preventing interruptions and improving reliability without adding complex control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Device complexity

If a single-speed gearbox is used, then device complexity is reduced, but motor efficiency deteriorates due to inability to adjust operating point

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegearbox structureVSAvoidmotor efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a two-speed gearbox with dynamically adjustable speed ratios. The gear shifting mechanism allows the gearbox to switch between different transmission ratios based on operating conditions, enabling the motor to operate within its high-efficiency range across a broader speed range, thereby improving overall energy utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Use of energy by moving object

If a two-speed gearbox is implemented, then motor efficiency is improved through operating point adjustment, but power transmission stability deteriorates during gear shifting

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotor efficiencyVSAvoidpower transmission stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sliding apparatus acts as a mediator that maintains continuous power transmission during the gear shifting process. By using the sliding sleeve to bridge the engagement between gear and gear hub, the system achieves smooth transitions between speed ratios without power interruptions, resolving the stability issue while maintaining the efficiency benefits of two-speed operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4067704B1Gear shifting mechanism, gearbox, powertrain, and electric vehicle
Publication Date: 2023.10.25 HUAWEI DIGITAL POWER TECH CO LTD
  • EP4067704B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4067704B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4067704B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

This application provides a gear shifting mechanism, a gearbox, a powertrain, and an electric vehicle. The gear shifting mechanism includes a gear, a gear hub, a one-way clutch, and a sliding apparatus. The gear has a first convex wall and a second convex wall that are disposed around a shaft hole. A first toothed structure is disposed at an end of the first convex wall, and a diameter of the second convex wall is less than that of the first convex wall. The gear hub is sleeved on the second convex wall. The one-way clutch is disposed between the gear hub and the second convex wall. The sliding apparatus is sleeved on the gear hub, and the sliding apparatus is capable of sliding in a direction toward or away from the gear. A second toothed structure is disposed at an end of the sliding apparatus. When the second toothed structure is meshed with the first toothed structure, the gear and a rotary shaft rotate synchronously; or when the second toothed structure is detached from the first toothed structure, the gear and the rotary shaft may rotate synchronously or differentially. The gear shifting mechanism can improve stability for transmitting a gear shifting power, thereby improving driving performance of an electric vehicle.