Integrated Electro-Hydraulic Actuation Group for Automotive Transmissions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electro-hydraulic actuation groups for automotive servo-assisted mechanical transmissions are bulky, complex, and costly due to the separate arrangement of actuation and power units, leading to installation difficulties and reliability issues.
Innovation Solution
Integration of actuation and power units into a single compact assembly within the hydraulic casing, reducing the need for external connections and simplifying the mechanical and electrical setup, thereby minimizing volume, weight, and connection components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the actuation unit and power unit are arranged as separate assemblies connected via a rigid connection bracket, then the structural stability is improved, but the bulk and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the actuation unit and power unit into a single integrated assembly where the power unit is directly mounted on the hydraulic casing that houses the actuation unit. This eliminates the need for a separate rigid connection bracket and reduces the overall bulk while maintaining structural stability through direct integration of components.
2Ease of manufacture
If the actuation unit and power unit are arranged as separate assemblies, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the actuation unit and power unit into one integrated assembly, reducing the number of separate components and connection interfaces. This simplification reduces device complexity while maintaining ease of manufacture through fewer assembly steps and reduced need for external connection systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic casing serves multiple functions: it houses the actuation unit, provides mounting for the power unit, and acts as part of the hydraulic circuit. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall system while maintaining ease of manufacture.
3Ease of operation
If the actuation unit and power unit are arranged outside the gearbox, then the ease of operation is improved, but the installation difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the actuation unit and power unit as a compact assembly that can be installed within the gearbox structure. This integrated design reduces installation difficulty by treating the system as a single unit with fewer external connections, while maintaining ease of operation through preserved functional independence.
4Strength
If a rigid connection bracket is used to connect the actuation and power units, then the structural strength is improved, but the weight and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the rigid connection bracket by directly mounting the power unit on the hydraulic casing. The hydraulic casing itself serves as the structural connection element, reducing weight while maintaining structural strength through the integrated design and inherent strength of the casing structure.
Data Source
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AI summary
In an automotive servo-assisted mechanical transmission (1), an electro-hydraulic actuation group (4) has an actuation unit (5), a power unit (6) able to provide hydraulic pressure to the actuation unit (5) and an electronic control unit (49), the actuation and power units (5, 6) being equipped with respective components (8, 9, 10, 11, 16, 20, 22, 24, 34) that are all mounted on a hydraulic casing (29) of the actuation unit (5) so as to define with one another a single assembly structurally separated from the electronic control unit (49), at least part of the components (8, 9, 10, 11, 16, 20, 22, 24, 34) being equipped with respective electrical connectors (44, 22b, 33, 35, 36) that are arranged in a manner such that they can all be engaged by a same multiple electrical connector device (46).