Gear Box Actuator Internal Air Channel for Space-Constrained Layouts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gear box actuators face spatial and functional constraints due to external air channels, which can cause collisions with other components, and require connectors that complicate design and assembly.
Innovation Solution
The gear box actuator employs a lead frame as an air channel wall, forming a groove in the housing to create an internal air channel, connected to a pneumatic cylinder and valve block, with sealing mechanisms to manage fluid flow and electrical control for actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If external air channels with connectors are used, then air supply function is achieved, but spatial constraints and collision with other components occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the air channel function directly into the housing structure by forming channels within the housing walls themselves, eliminating the need for separate external tubes and connectors. This integration resolves the spatial constraints and collision issues while maintaining the air supply function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the air channel function from external components and relocates it into the housing structure. By drilling channels directly into the housing walls, the design removes the need for external air channel attachments and their associated connectors, thereby freeing up spatial area.
2Ease of operation
If external connectors are attached to air channels, then air supply is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air channel function is merged directly into the housing structure through drilled channels in the walls. This integration eliminates the need for separate external connectors, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining air supply capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the air channel function from external connectors and embeds it within the housing structure itself. This removal of external connector requirements simplifies the overall device architecture and reduces assembly complexity.
3Area of stationary object
If internal air channels are formed in housing walls, then spatial constraints are reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes pneumatic drilling methods to create air channels within the housing walls. This manufacturing approach enables the formation of internal channels without significantly increasing overall manufacturing complexity, as pneumatic drilling is a established process that can be integrated into existing production workflows.
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 reduces spatial constraints, allows for efficient air distribution, and enables precise control of fluid flow, enhancing the actuator's operational efficiency and integration within transmission control apparatuses.
Implementation Method 1
the walls of the groove and the lead frame form an air channel of the gear box actuator
Implementation Method 2
arranged between the lead frame and the housing such that the air channel is airtightly sealed
Implementation Method 3
The gear box actuator may further comprise a pneumatic cylinder, wherein the air channel is connected to a chamber in which the pneumatic cylinder is accommodated
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a gear box actuator of a commercial vehicle. In particular, what is provided is an air channel 20 formed by a lead frame 16 covering a groove 12 which extends along a surface 14 of a housing 10 of a gear box actuator.