Gearbox Selection Control With Rotary Actuator Against Friction Blocking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gear line selection systems in gearboxes face issues with axial blocking and frictional blockages due to low actuation force from linear actuators, leading to difficulties in switching between gear lines and returning to neutral positions.
Innovation Solution
A rotary actuator design with a fixed actuator body, integral crank, and lever mechanism that multiplies force transmission, combined with an elastic return mechanism, allows for greater actuation force and rapid control of the selection control member, overcoming the limitations of linear actuators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a linear actuator is used to actuate the control member, then the device complexity is reduced, but the actuating force is insufficient leading to axial blocking and frictional blockages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the linear actuator with an electromagnetic actuator that directly generates rotational motion. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical conversion mechanisms (like cranks or levers) while providing sufficient actuating force to overcome frictional blockages and axial blocking, thereby resolving the contradiction between force requirement and device complexity.
2Force
If the solenoid is sized to provide sufficient actuating force, then the return spring force must be increased, but this increases the load on the control member and may cause blocking
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic actuator provides dynamically controllable force that can be precisely regulated during the actuation cycle. This allows sufficient force to be applied only when needed to overcome static friction and initiate movement, while avoiding excessive force that could damage the control member or cause blocking, thereby maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic actuator allows independent optimization of actuating force parameters without the mechanical coupling constraints of solenoid-spring systems. The force magnitude, duration, and timing can be precisely controlled to match the actual operational requirements, preventing both insufficient force and excessive force conditions.
3Force
If a linear actuator with low actuating force is used, then the return spring can be sized with low force, but the control member cannot overcome friction to return to neutral position
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic actuator inherently provides the necessary force to overcome friction and return the control member to its neutral position without relying on a separate return spring mechanism. This eliminates the contradiction by making the return spring force parameter irrelevant while ensuring reliable return capability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the actuator applies force against elastic return force to select the second line, then friction causes axial blocking and prevents return to first line
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic actuator replaces the mechanical push-pull system with direct electromagnetic force generation. This allows the actuator to apply precise force in either rotational direction to select different gear lines while maintaining the ability to reliably return to the neutral position by simply reversing the electromagnetic force direction, eliminating axial blocking issues.
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 rotary actuator design provides sufficient torque to overcome frictional blockages and efficiently switch between gear lines, ensuring smooth operation and reliable gear changes in gearboxes.
Implementation Method 1
a controlled actuator which can apply an actuating force to the control member to cause it to rotate at least in a first direction, from its first angular selection position to its second angular selection position
Implementation Method 2
there is also provided a means of elastic return of the control member towards its first angular selection position
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention proposes an arrangement for the internal control for selecting ratio lines in a gearbox that comprises a rotating selection control member (10) and a controlled actuator (28') that can apply an actuation force to the control member (10) in order to cause it to rotate, characterised in that the actuator is a rotating actuator (28') comprising an actuator shaft (42) capable of being rotated over limited angular travel and a crank (44) that is secured in rotation to the shaft (42) and that comprises an eccentric section (44A, 50) that applies the actuation force to the control member (10) in order to cause it to rotate.