Multi-Position Dog Clutch Torque Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dog clutches in vehicle transmissions require complex engagement and disengagement processes for shifting gear ratios, which can lead to inefficiencies and wear due to friction-based torque transmission, especially under varying torque conditions.
Innovation Solution
A multi-positional dog clutch system with a carrier pin and separator spring that allows for selective engagement and disengagement of sliding members with fixed members, utilizing spline configurations and a shift fork to manage torque thresholds and reduce wear by minimizing slip between components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If friction-based torque transmission is used in conventional dog clutches, then torque can be transmitted between components, but wear increases and lifecycle decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces friction-based mechanical torque transmission with a positive engagement dog clutch mechanism. The dog clutch sliding members engage directly with fixed members through splines, creating a mechanical interlock that transmits torque without reliance on friction. This substitution eliminates the wear and heat generation associated with friction-based systems, significantly improving clutch lifecycle and reliability.
2Ease of operation
If complex engagement and disengagement processes are used for gear ratio shifting, then precise control is achieved, but inefficiency and time loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the clutch control into three distinct positions (first, second, and third positions) using separate dog clutch sliding members for different fixed members. Each sliding member can engage independently with its corresponding fixed member, allowing for simplified and more efficient gear ratio transitions. The separator spring further segments the engagement forces, enabling one-handed operation and reducing the complexity of the shifting process while maintaining precise control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic engagement control where the dog clutch carrier can be selectively positioned among three states: engaging only the first fixed member, engaging only the second fixed member, or engaging both simultaneously. This dynamic positioning capability allows for optimized shifting sequences that reduce transition time and improve overall shifting efficiency while maintaining precise control over torque transmission paths.
3Device complexity
If single-position dog clutch is used, then structure is simple, but adaptability to varying torque conditions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional dog clutch system where a single dog clutch carrier with multiple sliding members can handle varying torque conditions by engaging different fixed members as needed. The separator spring mechanism allows the same structural component to adapt its engagement characteristics based on torque requirements, providing both high-torque and low-torque engagement modes without requiring entirely separate clutch systems. This multi-functionality increases adaptability while keeping the overall structure relatively simple.
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 system enables efficient torque transmission with reduced wear and longer lifecycle by allowing precise control of engagement and disengagement based on torque thresholds, optimizing gear ratio shifts and minimizing friction.
Implementation Method 1
a separator spring surrounding the dog clutch carrier between the first dog clutch sliding member and the second dog clutch sliding member
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-positional dog clutch selectively engageable with a transmission is disclosed. The dog clutch includes a shift fork, a dog clutch carrier, a common member, and first and second dog clutch sliding members. The transmission includes first and second fixed members. The first dog clutch sliding member is configured to engage with and disengage from the first fixed member. The second dog clutch sliding member is configured to engage with and disengage from the second fixed member. The dog clutch carrier is movable to (i) a first position in which the first dog clutch sliding member is engaged with the first fixed member, (ii) a second position in which the second dog clutch sliding member is engaged with the second fixed member, and (iii) a third position in which the first dog clutch sliding member is engaged with the first fixed member and the second dog clutch sliding member is engaged with the second fixed member.