Saddle Vehicle Gearbox with ECU-Controlled Cable Clutch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gearbox systems in saddle-ridden vehicles experience long clutch connection/disconnection times and gear shift operation times, leading to driving force interruptions and a less responsive shifting experience, especially in sports driving applications where rapid gear shifts are desired.
Innovation Solution
A gearbox design featuring a transmission mechanism with independently controllable clutches on power train shafts, a gear change mechanism interlocked with a shift pedal, and a control device that electronically manages clutch connection/disconnection based on gear position sensors, allowing for manual operation-driven gear shifts without automatic actuator intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If electromagnetic actuators and motors are used for clutch actuation and gear shift operation, then automated gear shifting is achieved, but clutch connection/disconnection time and gear shift completion time become long causing driving force interruption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the electromagnetic actuator and motor from the gear shift mechanism, replacing them with a purely manual cable-operated system. This elimination of electronic components directly reduces the time required for clutch actuation and gear shifting, preventing driving force interruption while maintaining automated control through the ECU.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electromagnetic actuation system with a mechanical cable-operated system. The cable transmission mechanism provides direct mechanical connection between the shift lever and clutch/gear components, enabling faster response times compared to electromagnetic actuation while maintaining precise control through the ECU-managed cable tensioning system.
2Extent of automation
If electromagnetic actuators and motors are used for clutch actuation and gear shift operation, then automated gear shifting is achieved, but the gearbox becomes heavier and larger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the electromagnetic actuator and motor from the gearbox assembly, significantly reducing the weight and size of the transmission system. The automated gear shifting function is maintained through the ECU-controlled cable system, which uses minimal mechanical components compared to the bulky electromagnetic actuators.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a simplified mechanical cable system that replicates the control function of electromagnetic actuators without requiring their complex electronic components. The cable transmission mechanism provides sufficient control authority with minimal mass, achieving automated shifting with fraction of the weight of electronic actuation systems.
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 enables rapid gear shifts without driving force interruption, reduces the electronic drive system complexity, and achieves weight and size reduction, while ensuring accurate clutch control and enhanced shifting precision.
Implementation Method 1
a gear position sensor that detects the rotation angle of the shift drum to detect the shift stage of the selected transmission gear
Implementation Method 2
a clutch mechanism having a plurality of clutches that allow mutually independent connection/disconnection operation and are each assigned to a respective one of the power train shafts
Data Source
AI summary
A gearbox includes a transmission mechanism and a clutch system including plural clutches. The gearbox has a gear change mechanism that is interlocked with a change pedal shaft to which rotational force by operation of a shift pedal is transmitted and arbitrarily selects a transmission gear of the transmission mechanism to perform gear shift. An ECU can electronically control connection/disconnection of the clutch system according to a shift position of the gear change mechanism.