Gear Shift Actuator System for Automatic Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual gear shifting in two-wheeled vehicles requires continuous operator attention, leading to operator unease and instability, especially in heavy traffic, and existing automatic transmission systems require significant engine modifications, complicating design standardization and increasing weight and size.

Innovation Solution

An electrically operated gear shift actuator system for internal combustion engines, comprising a gear shift motor, reduction gearbox, power transmission mechanism, shift control unit, and shift position detector, which automatically selects gear ratios without manual intervention, compatible with various two-wheeled vehicles and engine configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual gear shifting is used, then the transmission system is simple, but operator comfort and stability deteriorate due to continuous attention required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator comfortVSAvoidtransmission system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The gear shift actuator system performs gear shifting automatically without operator intervention. The microcontroller monitors engine parameters and autonomously controls the actuator to change gear ratios, allowing the system to serve itself rather than requiring continuous operator attention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical gear shifting system with an automated electromechanical system. The actuator uses an electric motor driven by a microcontroller to automatically engage and disengage clutch plates and shift gears, substituting the operator's manual mechanical operations with automated control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If automatic transmission system is implemented, then operator comfort improves, but engine assembly size and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of gear shiftingVSAvoidengine assembly weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The gear shift actuator system is nested within the existing engine assembly structure. The actuator components including the motor, clutch plates, and shifting mechanism are integrated into the engine's crankcase and transmission housing, allowing the automatic transmission system to occupy space within the existing engine footprint rather than adding external components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The actuator system is designed to be compatible with multiple engine types and configurations. The same basic actuator design can be adapted to different engine assemblies through modular installation, allowing one universal solution to serve multiple applications without requiring custom-heavy designs for each engine variant.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If automatic transmission system is implemented, then ease of operation improves, but design standardization becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic gear shiftingVSAvoiddesign standardization
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The gear shift actuator is designed as a universal component that can be adapted to multiple engine types and vehicle configurations. The actuator's mounting interface and control system are standardized to work with different engine assemblies, allowing the same basic design to be applied across various applications without requiring complete redesign for each case.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Productivity

If manual gear shifting is used, then the transmission system is simple, but productivity deteriorates in heavy traffic conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle responsivenessVSAvoidoperator burden
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The microcontroller continuously monitors engine parameters such as RPM and load conditions, and uses this feedback to determine the optimal gear ratio. The system automatically adjusts gear selection based on real-time engine performance data, enabling rapid and appropriate gear changes in heavy traffic without requiring operator interpretation or manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The gear shift actuator system performs gear shifting automatically without operator intervention. The microcontroller monitors engine parameters and autonomously controls the actuator to change gear ratios, allowing the system to serve itself rather than requiring continuous operator attention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Provides a stress-free and comfortable ride by eliminating the need for manual gear shifting and allowing seamless integration with existing engine designs, enhancing operator comfort and vehicle stability without altering engine assembly size or weight.

Implementation Method 1

an electrically operated gear shift actuator system for an internal combustion engine for actuating the operation of change of gear ratio comprising of a gear shift motor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a reduction gear box connected to the said gear shift motor for reducing the power received from the said gear shift motor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical advantage through gear reduction: Gear

Data Source

PatentEP2797809A2Gear shift actuator for an internal combustion engine
Publication Date: 2014.11.05 TVS MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

The present subject matter discloses an electrically operated gear shift actuator system for an internal combustion engine for automatic actuation of the gear shifting operation for transmission of power generated by the engine. The actuator system includes a gear shift motor, a reduction gear box connected to the said gear shift motor, a power transmission mechanism for transmitting rotational driving force of the said gear shift motor to a shift drum, a shift control unit and a shift position detector. The present subject matter removes the need for manual gear shifting and makes the ride easy and less toilsome for the operator of the vehicle.