External Shift Actuator Layout for Compact Vehicle Transmissions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle designs equipped with electronic gear-shifting systems face challenges in efficiently integrating the power transmission structure, requiring sufficient space within the vehicle body while maintaining compactness and operational stability.
Innovation Solution
The vehicle incorporates a power unit with a pivotally supported change shaft and an operation unit mounted on the exterior of the case, utilizing an electric motor and a power transmission structure that transmits rotational power to the change shaft, eliminating the need for a shift rod and allowing for a more compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the power transmission structure is disposed inside the vehicle body, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the available space is reduced and the design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The operation unit is extracted from the interior of the case and mounted on the exterior surface. This removes the power transmission structure from the limited internal space, thereby increasing the available volume within the vehicle body while reducing the complexity of integrating the transmission structure within the case.
2Device complexity
If a shift rod is used to transmit power, then the gear-shifting function is achieved, but the space requirement and structural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional shift rod mechanical transmission system is replaced with a more compact power transmission structure that includes a motor and transmission mechanism. This substitution reduces the space required for the power transmission structure while achieving the same gear-shifting function, thereby reducing both device complexity and volume requirements.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the operation unit is mounted inside the case, then the structural compactness is improved, but the vibration and operational stability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The operation unit is extracted from the interior of the case and mounted on the exterior surface. This separation reduces the vibration generated inside the case, thereby improving operational stability while minimizing harmful vibrations that could affect the transmission system.
4Reliability
If sufficient space is allocated for the power transmission structure, then the operational reliability is improved, but the vehicle design becomes less compact
Solution Approach 1:
The operation unit is relocated from the internal three-dimensional space to the external surface of the case. This dimensional change allows the power transmission structure to be positioned outside the vehicle body, ensuring sufficient space for reliable operation while maintaining a compact vehicle design by utilizing external mounting space.
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
This configuration reduces the need for internal space within the vehicle, enhances operational stability by minimizing vibration, and simplifies the vehicle design, leading to a more efficient and cost-effective implementation of the electronic gear-shifting system.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor and a power transmission structure that transmits power of the electric motor to the change shaft
Implementation Method 2
a power transmission structure that transmits power of the electric motor to the change shaft in the form of rotational power
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes: a power unit including a transmission that changes the speed of rotation produced by output power of a drive source for travel and a case accommodating the transmission, the transmission including a pivotally supported change shaft, the change shaft being angularly movable about an axis to change a gear ratio of the transmission; and an operation unit that operates to angularly move the change shaft, the operation unit including an electric motor and a power transmission structure that transmits power of the electric motor to the change shaft in the form of rotational power by which the change shaft is angularly moved. The operation unit is mounted on an exterior of the case.