Transmission Shifting Assembly With Linked Clutches and Freewheel

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gearboxes with switching arrangements require complex and energy-intensive mechanisms to switch between different gear states, particularly for reverse gear and energy recuperation, which increases manufacturing and assembly complexity and reduces efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A switching arrangement that combines a friction coupling, a shape clutch, and a freewheel unit, allowing for the coupling of three gear components into different switching states with a single actuation, enabling power transmission in both forward and reverse directions with reduced energy consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a switching arrangement uses multiple independent clutches (friction clutch and positive locking clutch) to achieve multiple gear ratios and reverse gear, then the gear ratio versatility is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegear ratio versatilityVSAvoidswitching arrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the friction clutch and positive locking clutch into a single integrated switching arrangement where both clutches share common components (coupling parts, connecting means) and can be actuated together. This merging reduces the number of independent clutch assemblies while maintaining the ability to achieve multiple gear ratios and reverse gear functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated switching arrangement serves multiple functions simultaneously: it can engage friction clutch for smooth shifting, engage positive locking clutch for reverse gear and holding, and coordinate both clutches to achieve different gear ratios. This multi-functionality is achieved through a unified actuating mechanism that controls both clutches, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a switching arrangement uses complex synchronization mechanisms to coordinate multiple clutches, then the reliability of gear switching is improved, but the energy consumption and actuation complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegear switching reliabilityVSAvoidactuation energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the actuation mechanisms of the friction clutch and positive locking clutch into a single actuating system. The connecting means physically links the coupling parts of both clutches, so that a single actuation motion simultaneously controls both clutches, eliminating the need for separate actuators and reducing energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting means is designed to pre-coordinate the engagement sequence of both clutches. When actuated, the friction clutch and positive locking clutch engage in a predetermined sequence that ensures reliable gear switching without requiring complex real-time synchronization control, thereby reducing actuation energy requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If a switching arrangement uses separate actuators for friction clutch and positive locking clutch, then the control precision is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and assembly effort increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching control precisionVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the actuation system into a single integrated unit where one actuator controls both the friction clutch and positive locking clutch through the connecting means. This reduces the number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled, simplifying production while maintaining precise control over clutch engagement through the mechanically linked connecting means.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 simplifies the switching process, reduces energy consumption, and enhances efficiency by allowing power transmission in both forward and reverse directions with fewer components and less complexity, thereby improving gearbox performance and reducing manufacturing and assembly challenges.

Implementation Method 1

a friction clutch being arranged between the first component and the second component

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

a positive locking clutch being arranged between the second component and the third component

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPositive locking: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 3

a freewheel unit being arranged between the second component and the third component

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFreewheel mechanism: Ratchet

Data Source

PatentEP4107409B1Shifting assembly for a transmission
Publication Date: 2025.04.02 REVOLUTE GMBH
  • EP4107409B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4107409B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP4107409B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

The invention relates to a shifting assembly (1, 2) for a transmission (100), said shifting assembly (1, 2) at least having: • - a first component (11, 21), • - a second component (12, 22), and • - a third component (13, 23), said components (11, 12, 13, 21, 22, 23) interacting according to the shift state in that: • - a friction clutch (14, 24) is arranged between the first component (11, 21) and the second component (12, 22), • - a positively-locking clutch (15, 25) is arranged between the second component (12, 22) and the third component (13, 23), and • - a freewheel unit (16, 26) is arranged between the second component (12, 22) and the third component (13, 23), wherein a connection means (17, 27) is provided which connects a clutch part of the friction clutch (14, 24) to a clutch part of the positively-locking clutch (15, 25).