Mechanical Diode With Controllable Braking Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical diodes in powertrain systems lack efficient control mechanisms for selectively engaging and disengaging torque transfer between rotating elements, leading to suboptimal performance in torque transfer and freewheeling operations.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical diode design featuring a first and second race element, a slide plate with a tab element, and a controllable braking element, where a spring urges the slide plate to a first position for torque transfer and a braking force can switch it to a second position for freewheeling, allowing controlled engagement and disengagement via a control signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a mechanical diode uses traditional friction-based or simple mechanical locking mechanisms to transfer torque, then the structure is simple, but the control precision and responsiveness are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical locking mechanisms with a magnetic field-based control system. A controllable braking element generates electromagnetic or magnetic braking force to act on the tab element of the slide plate, enabling precise and responsive control of torque transfer without complex mechanical linkages. This substitution of mechanical control with magnetic field control achieves higher control precision while maintaining relatively simple structural complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a mechanical diode lacks a controllable braking mechanism, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability in torque transfer and freewheeling operations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a controllable braking element that can dynamically adjust the state of the mechanical diode between torque transfer and freewheeling modes. The braking element responds to control signals by generating variable braking force on the tab element, enabling the system to adapt to different operating conditions. This dynamic control capability significantly improves adaptability in torque transfer operations while adding only moderate complexity through the integration of the braking mechanism.
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
Enables precise control over torque transfer and freewheeling operations, improving the mechanical diode's efficiency and adaptability in powertrain systems by allowing controlled connection and disconnection of torque members.
Implementation Method 1
A spring element is disposed between the slide plate and one of the first and second race elements, and is configured to urge the slide plate to the first position
Implementation Method 2
The controllable braking element is disposed to apply a braking force to the tab element of the slide plate to urge the slide plate to achieve the second position
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanical diode to transfer torque between a first torque member and a second torque member is described, and includes a first race element, a second race element and a slide plate that are coaxially disposed in the housing. The slide plate includes a tab element projecting radially outwardly. The slide plate is rotatable to one of a first position and a second position. A spring element is disposed between the slide plate and one of the first and second race elements, and is configured to urge the slide plate to the first position. A controllable braking element is disposed to apply a braking force to the tab element of the slide plate to urge the slide plate to achieve the second position in response to a control signal.