Modular Gear Actuator with Universal Shift Finger

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing transmission actuators are individually tailored to specific transmissions, making retrofitting complex and expensive, and requiring complex warehousing due to their specificity.

Innovation Solution

A generic transmission actuator with a modular design, featuring a shift finger mounted on a shifter shifter and a locking mechanism, allowing for adaptable shifting paths and easy assembly from standard components, and an adapter for compatibility with various transmissions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If transmission actuators are individually tailored to specific transmissions, then they can achieve precise fitting and reliable operation, but it leads to complex warehousing and high costs when retrofitting different transmission types

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefitting reliabilityVSAvoidwarehousing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shift finger is designed with a universal mounting structure that can adapt to different transmission types through adjustable positioning. The linear guide and mounting plate configuration allows the same actuator design to serve multiple transmission models, eliminating the need for individual tailoring while maintaining reliable operation.

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

2Reliability

If transmission actuators are individually tailored for each transmission type, then optimal performance is achieved, but retrofitting becomes complex and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation reliabilityVSAvoidretrofitting ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The actuator is divided into modular components including the shift finger, linear guide, mounting plate, and detent mechanism. This segmentation allows independent adjustment and replacement of parts to suit different transmission types without redesigning the entire actuator, facilitating easy retrofitting while maintaining operational reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If a generic transmission actuator design is used, then warehousing and logistics are simplified, but adaptability to different transmission types must be ensured

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewarehousing complexityVSAvoidtransmission compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The shift finger incorporates adjustable positioning mechanisms and movable mounting points that allow dynamic adaptation to different transmission configurations. The linear guide enables adjustable travel paths, and the detent mechanism can be repositioned to match various gear shift patterns, ensuring transmission compatibility while maintaining a generic actuator design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Stability of the object's composition

If the shift finger is rigidly fixed to the shifter, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability to different shifting paths is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidshifting path adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The shift finger is mounted on a linear guide that allows controlled movement and adjustment while maintaining structural stability during operation. The mounting plate provides stable attachment points, and the detent mechanism with spring-loaded detent bolt ensures secure positioning at specific locations while allowing repositioning for different shifting paths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 the use of a single transmission actuator across different types of transmissions, reducing complexity and costs in warehousing and logistics, while ensuring robustness and ease of assembly.

Implementation Method 1

a locking contour, with a sliding piece, in particular the gear sliding piece, has a prestressed locking bolt which cooperates with the locking contour for locking the shift finger in a predetermined position in the gear shift working direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical interlocking: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 2

The locking bolt is biased, for example, with a spring that pushes it out of the gear shifting piece

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP2240710B1Gear actuator
Publication Date: 2016.01.13 ZF CV SYST HANNOVER GMBH
  • EP2240710B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2240710B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2240710B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a gear actuator for shifting a gear, with an alley switch actuator (12), a gear switch actuator (14) and a shift finger (36), which can be moved by an alley switch actuator (12) and a gear switch actuator (14) for the purpose of transferring a switching movement to the gear. An alley switch sliding element (34), connected with the alley switch actuator (12) and a gear switch sliding element (32), connected with the gear shift actuator (14), are provided according to the invention. The shift finger (36) is supported movably at the alley switch sliding element (34) and at the gear switch sliding element (32).