Electromagnetic Clutch Coupling With Magnetic Latching Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dynamic controllable clutches (DCCs) in transmissions are complex, have a large number of components, and suffer from poor reaction time and high energy consumption, especially in hot oil environments, and often require springs for return strokes, limiting their efficiency and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A switchable linear actuator device with a stator structure including electromagnetic sources and a translator structure with plungers that use magnetic latching to selectively engage and disengage locking members, reducing component count and energy consumption by utilizing magnetic forces for actuation and achieving high linear speed and acceleration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional dynamic controllable clutches are used, then the clutch can be controlled, but the device complexity and component count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical actuation systems (shift forks, linkages) with a magnetic field-based actuation system. Electromagnetic actuators generate magnetic fields that directly interact with magnetic elements in the clutch assembly, eliminating complex mechanical transmission components while maintaining full control capability over the clutch locking members.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic actuation system serves multiple functions: it actuates locking members, provides holding force, and enables bidirectional control, replacing what would traditionally require separate mechanical components for each function. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count while maintaining adaptability.
2Ease of operation
If traditional clutches with springs for return strokes are used, then the return stroke is provided, but the device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical springs by using electromagnetic actuators that can actively control the return stroke through magnetic field reversal. The electromagnetic system provides both the actuation force and the return force, replacing spring-based mechanical systems entirely.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic actuator operates in periodic cycles, energizing to advance the locking member and de-energizing or reversing polarity to return it. This periodic electromagnetic action replaces the continuous mechanical spring system, reducing component complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional clutches are used, then the clutch can engage, but the reaction time is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic actuation system eliminates mechanical linkage delays inherent in traditional clutch systems. Magnetic fields propagate instantly and can rapidly energize or de-energize, enabling much faster response times for engagement and disengagement operations compared to mechanical actuation systems.
4Adaptability or versatility
If traditional clutches operating in hot oil environments are used, then the clutch can function, but energy consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic actuation system replaces energy-intensive mechanical systems with more efficient electromagnetic fields. The system can operate in hot oil environments while consuming less energy because electromagnetic actuation requires less force to overcome friction and inertia compared to mechanical linkages, and the fields can be precisely controlled to minimize energy waste.
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 provides a compact, efficient, and reliable actuation system with reduced part count, improved reaction time, and lower energy consumption, enabling high linear speed and acceleration while eliminating the need for springs and complex shift fork systems.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of magnetic sources, which produce corresponding magnetic fields to create a net translational force
Implementation Method 2
The translator structure is supported for translational movement relative to the stator structure along the axis between first and second stable axial end positions which correspond to first and second operating modes of the coupling assembly, respectively, and an unstable axial equilibrium position between the end positions
Data Source
AI summary
An electro-dynamic coupling and control assembly and a switchable linear actuator device are provided. The assembly has first and second coupling members each of which is supported for rotation about a common rotational axis and at least one locking member for selectively mechanically coupling the coupling members together. The device includes a stator structure including at least one electromagnetic source and a translator structure configured to be coupled to the second coupling member to rotate therewith. The translator structure includes at least one plunger which is elastically deformable in an axial direction to provide the device with compliance. Each plunger has a free end portion configured to move within a passage to engage and actuate a locking member within a pocket in the second coupling member.