Magnetic Linear Actuator for Switchable One-Way Clutch Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing one-way clutches in vehicular transmissions lack efficient control mechanisms for switching between operating modes, leading to parasitic losses and complexity in traditional designs, particularly in controlling torque flow during gear shifts and engine braking.
Innovation Solution
A reciprocating electromechanical apparatus with a switchable linear actuator device that utilizes magnetic sources to create a net translational force, featuring a stator structure with electromagnetic sources and a translator structure with a cam and permanent magnet, allowing for electronically-switched magnetic fields to control the locking members of non-friction coupling assemblies, enabling seamless mode switching without continuous power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional one-way clutch designs are used, then the structure is simple, but parasitic losses occur during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical control mechanisms (springs, hydraulic actuators) with an electromagnetic actuator that uses magnetic fields to control the locking members. This substitution eliminates the need for continuous mechanical force application, reducing parasitic losses while maintaining control capability through electronically-switched magnetic fields.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic actuator applies magnetic force periodically or intermittently to switch between operating modes, rather than requiring continuous mechanical force. The magnetic field is energized only when mode switching is required, and the system maintains its state without continuous power consumption, thereby reducing energy losses during operation.
2Ease of operation
If hydraulic pumps and valves are used for control, then precise control is achieved, but device complexity and parasitic losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the entire hydraulic control system (pumps, valves, fluid passages) with an electromagnetic actuator that directly actuates the locking members through magnetic force. This solid-state electromagnetic system achieves precise control through electronic switching while eliminating the complexity and parasitic losses associated with hydraulic components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and removes the hydraulic pump and valve components from the control system, retaining only the essential control function through the electromagnetic actuator. This extraction eliminates unnecessary complexity while maintaining the ability to precisely control the operating modes through electronic signals.
3Reliability
If continuous power is applied for mode switching, then reliable control is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic actuator is designed to apply power only during the brief moment when mode switching is required. Once the locking members are positioned in the desired operating mode, the magnetic field is de-energized and the system maintains its state without continuous power consumption, achieving reliable control with minimal energy use.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic actuator applies magnetic force in advance to position the locking members before the actual mode transition is needed. This preliminary action ensures that the control mechanism is already in the correct position when required, maintaining reliability while allowing power to be applied only when necessary rather than continuously.
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 apparatus achieves near-zero parasitic losses in the 'off' state, reduces complexity, and allows for precise control of torque flow, enhancing efficiency and reducing energy consumption by using magnetic latching mechanisms to maintain operating modes without continuous energization.
Implementation Method 1
A stator structure includes at least one electromagnetic source to create an electronically-switched magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
A translator structure includes a cam having a contour surface and a magnetically-latching, permanent magnet source magnetically coupled to the stator structure across a radial air gap
Data Source
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AI summary
Overrunning, non-friction coupling and control assemblies, a switchable linear actuator device and a reciprocating electromechanical apparatus for use in the assemblies are provided. The device and apparatus control the operating mode of at least one non-friction coupling assembly. The device and apparatus have a plurality of magnetic sources which produce corresponding magnetic fields to create a net translational force. The net translational force comprises a first translational force caused by energization of at least one electromagnetic source and a magnetic latching force based upon linear position of a permanent magnet source along an axis. One or more cams are utilized to control whether a locking member either couples or uncouples its corresponding coupling assembly.