Gearbox Stop Bushing Retention for Low-Vibration Neutral Positioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gear box control arrangements in automated manual transmission systems experience vibrations, noise, and deteriorated performance due to play between moving parts, which affect gear selection and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of an elastic retaining element, such as a spring washer, to constrain the axial movement of the annular stop bushing, reducing free movement and play, thereby minimizing vibrations and noise, and enhancing positioning accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an annular stop bushing is used to define the neutral position of the main piston, then the positioning function is achieved, but play between moving parts causes vibrations and noise
Solution Approach 1:
An elastic retaining element is introduced as an intermediary component between the stop bushing and the housing. This retaining element mediates the connection, providing both positioning function and vibration damping. The elastic material absorbs vibrations and prevents direct contact between rigid parts, thereby eliminating noise while maintaining positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic retaining element provides beforehand cushioning by being pre-installed in the housing to contact the stop bushing. This cushioning element is positioned in advance to absorb any potential vibrations and impacts before they can cause noise or damage, ensuring smooth operation throughout the device's lifetime.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple parts are arranged within the housing to enable gear selection, then the control function is achieved, but play between parts deteriorates performance over time
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic retaining element acts as a mediator that stabilizes the stop bushing's position relative to the housing. By preventing play and unwanted movements, it ensures reliable gear selection and maintains performance stability throughout the device's operational lifetime.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic retaining element changes the mechanical parameters of the system by introducing controlled elasticity. This elasticity allows for smooth, play-free movement of the stop bushing while maintaining precise positioning, thereby improving reliability without sacrificing adaptability.
3Device complexity
If the stop bushing is allowed free axial movement, then the design is simple, but vibrations are generated due to play
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic retaining element is a simple intermediary component that can be easily integrated into the existing housing structure. It eliminates vibrations caused by free axial movement of the stop bushing without significantly increasing device complexity, maintaining structural simplicity while solving the vibration problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic retaining element utilizes flexible material properties to conform to the housing interior and provide continuous contact with the stop bushing. This flexible component prevents play and vibrations while adding minimal structural complexity to the overall design.
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
The solution reduces vibrations and noise, ensures a robust and compact design, minimizes part wear, and improves the accuracy of the neutral position of the pushrod.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic retaining element being arranged and adapted to exert a force, in an axial direction, on the stop bushing
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
Gear box control arrangement (100) for an automated manual transmission system (250) of a vehicle (200a), in particular utility vehicle (200b), comprising a cover (115), a housing (105) for enclosing a main piston (135) and a pushrod (110) being movable by the main piston (135), an annular stop bushing (120) circumferentially enclosed by the housing (105) and adapted to define a neutral position (N), in an axial direction (A), of the main piston (135) within the housing (105), and an elastic retaining element (150) being arranged and adapted to exert a force (F), in the axial direction (A), on the stop bushing (120).