Final Drive Disconnect Mechanism for Quick Transmission Service
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicles face challenges in quickly disconnecting the transmission output from the final drive assembly due to limited access, requiring labor-intensive processes, especially in designs where the disconnect shaft is not easily accessible.
Innovation Solution
A disconnect mechanism that includes a drive member, a driven member, a collar, and a coupler member, allowing for rotational and longitudinal movement to removably couple and decouple the input and output members, facilitating quick disconnection without the need for extensive access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the transmission output is disconnected from the final drive assembly using conventional methods, then the transmission can be removed for maintenance, but the process requires labor-intensive work and substantial time due to limited access to the disconnect shaft
Solution Approach 1:
The disconnect mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a drive member accessible through the access port, a driven member, a collar, and a coupler member. This segmentation allows the disconnection function to be isolated and operated independently through the access port, eliminating the need for complete final drive assembly removal and reducing maintenance time while improving ease of repair.
2Ease of operation
If the final drive assembly is completely removed to access the transmission output, then the transmission can be serviced, but the process becomes complex and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The disconnect mechanism extracts the essential disconnection function from the final drive assembly by providing an access port and a drive member that can be operated independently. This allows the transmission output to be disconnected without removing the entire final drive assembly, simplifying the service process and improving accessibility while reducing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler member acts as an intermediary between the drive member and the transmission output shaft. It translates the rotational motion of the drive member into longitudinal movement that engages or disengages the transmission output from the final drive assembly, enabling simple access-port-based operation without complex manual disassembly procedures.
3Productivity
If a separate port or access opening is provided to reach the disconnect shaft, then transmission service becomes possible, but the design becomes more complex and may still require substantial effort
Solution Approach 1:
The access port is merged with the drive member and coupler mechanism to create an integrated quick-disconnect system. The drive member is positioned within the access port and directly coupled to the coupler, combining the access function and disconnection function into a single integrated mechanism that operates quickly without requiring separate access structures or complex manual procedures.
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
Enables efficient disconnection of the transmission output from the final drive assembly, reducing maintenance time and effort, even in designs with limited access, by using a mechanism that moves the coupler member between coupled and decoupled positions based on the drive member's rotation.
Implementation Method 1
rotation of the drive member induces rotational and longitudinal movement of the collar along a shaft
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a disconnect mechanism for removably coupling an input member and an output member to one another. The mechanism includes a drive member configured to be rotationally driven and a driven member rotationally coupled to the drive member. A collar is rotatably coupled to the driven member, where rotation of the drive member induces rotational and longitudinal movement of the collar along a shaft passing through the driven member. The mechanism further includes a coupler member coupled to the collar such that the coupler member is adapted to be removably coupled to the input member and output member. As the collar moves along the longitudinal shaft, the coupler member moves longitudinally between a first position in which the input member and output member are coupled and a second position in which the input member and output member are decoupled from one another.