External Shifting Mass Layout for Smoother Manual Gear Shifts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manual transmissions face challenges in packaging due to complex structures and limited installation space, particularly in smoothing out force peaks during gear shifting and engaging/disengaging, which complicates meeting various packaging requirements.
Innovation Solution
A manual transmission design featuring a connecting element that separates spatially from the first introduction element, allowing for greater structural flexibility, with an inner shifting part as a shift rod or rod section, and utilizing a receiving part for external actuating forces to smoothly manage gear shifts through the interaction of a shifting mass and connecting element, which can rotate or axially displace to interact with different gear shifting clutches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the shifting mass is connected to the first introduction element through a single opening in the housing, then the structure is simpler, but the packaging flexibility and ability to meet different installation space requirements is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the connection path into two separate elements: the first introduction element for directing external actuating force, and the connecting element for connecting the shifting mass. These two elements are spatially separated and can reach into the interior through different openings in the housing, allowing independent optimization of each component's position and function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the third dimension by allowing the first introduction element and connecting element to enter the housing through different openings located at different positions and orientations on the housing surface. This spatial separation in multiple dimensions provides flexibility to adapt to various installation space constraints while maintaining functional integrity.
2Reliability
If the shifting mass is connected directly to the first introduction element, then the connection is simpler, but the ability to smooth out force peaks during gear shifting is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element acts as an intermediary between the first introduction element and the shifting mass. It transmits the actuating force while allowing the shifting mass to rotate about its axis, which provides the inertial effect needed to smooth out force peaks during gear shifting and engaging/disengaging operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting element is designed to allow rotational movement of the shifting mass relative to the shift rod axis. This dynamic degree of freedom enables the shifting mass to rotate faster than the shift rod during gear shifts, creating the inertial effect that smooths force peaks while maintaining connection to the shifting mechanism.
3Reliability
If the shifting mass rotates at the same speed as the shift rod, then the synchronization is simpler, but the force peak smoothing effect is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element is designed to allow the shifting mass to rotate freely about its axis while being driven by the axial displacement of the shift rod. This dynamic arrangement naturally allows the shifting mass to rotate faster than the shift rod during gear shifts, creating the inertial effect that smooths force peaks without requiring complex speed control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the inherent inertial properties of the shifting mass and the geometric relationship between the connecting element and shift rod to automatically achieve the speed differential needed for force peak smoothing. No external control system is required - the mechanism self-regulates the rotational speed of the shifting mass based on the shifting operation.
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 design enhances packaging flexibility and smooths out force peaks during shifting by allowing the shifting mass to rotate faster than the shift rod, effectively managing gear shifts and engaging/disengaging processes within the limited space.
Implementation Method 1
Due to the inertia of the shifting mass, force peaks that can occur when shifting or engaging or disengaging the gear are smoothed out
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a transmission for a motor vehicle, comprising multiple gears, a housing (1), an internal space that is surrounded by the housing (1), at least one gear shifting clutch, which is located in the internal space and via which a gear can be shifted, and a shifting device (10) which functions to direct an external actuation force for shifting, which is acting outside the housing (1), to the gear shifting clutch, wherein the shifting device (10) has at least one internal shifting part located in the internal space, a first introduction element (11a) which engages through a first opening (5) provided in the housing and functions to direct the external actuation force for shifting the gear to the internal shifting part, and a shifting mass (21) arranged outside the housing, which is moved during the shifting of the gear. The invention is characterised in that a connection element (20) that is different from the first introduction element (11a) is provided, with which the shifting mass (21) is connected to the internal shifting part, and the connection element (20) engages into the internal space through a second opening (6) in the housing (1) that is different from the first opening.