Multi-speed Drive Clutch System for Vehicle Accessory Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-speed drive systems for vehicles are complex, unreliable, expensive, and power-intensive, making them difficult to control and install, and they often require significant power and may not efficiently manage accessory loads like alternators and fans.
Innovation Solution
A multi-speed drive system that uses a combination of clutch systems, including engagement clutches and overrunning clutches, to adjust the speed of loads driven by a crankshaft, allowing for multiple rotational speeds and a zero speed capability, utilizing a single or dual power source, and incorporating a wrap spring mechanism for efficient torque transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a multi-speed drive system is implemented to control accessory speed, then fuel efficiency and engine performance are improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple clutch systems (first and second clutch systems with engagement clutches and overrunning clutches) within a single drive unit that couples to one accessory. This nested arrangement allows multiple speed control functions to be achieved without proportionally increasing overall system complexity, as the clutch systems are embedded within each other rather than requiring separate independent mechanisms for each accessory.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive system is designed to provide multiple rotational speeds (first speed, second speed, and zero speed) to a single accessory through different clutch configurations. This multi-functional capability allows one drive unit to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate drive systems, thereby improving fuel efficiency without linearly increasing system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple clutch systems are used to provide multiple speeds, then speed control capability is improved, but reliability and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The overrunning clutches in the patent are designed to automatically engage and disengage based on rotational speed differentials without requiring external control signals. When the accessory speed exceeds the drive member speed, the overrunning clutch automatically disengages, providing fail-safe operation that maintains reliability even with multiple clutch systems. This self-regulating mechanism reduces the risk of control system failures.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a multi-speed drive system is installed to optimize accessory operation, then power consumption is reduced, but ease of operation and installation decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines first and second clutch systems within a single integrated drive unit that couples to one accessory. By merging multiple speed control functions into one unified mechanism rather than requiring separate controllable drives for each accessory, the system reduces installation complexity while maintaining the ability to optimize power consumption through multiple speed options.
4Adaptability or versatility
If overrunning clutches are used to permit speed differentiation, then speed adjustment flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The overrunning clutches act as intermediary elements between the drive members and the accessory, automatically mediating speed differences without requiring complex control systems. When the accessory needs to rotate faster than the drive member, the overrunning clutch smoothly transitions from engaged to disengaged state, providing flexible speed adjustment while maintaining relatively simple mechanical construction.
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 provides efficient speed adjustment for vehicle accessories, reducing wear and power consumption, enabling better engine performance and fuel efficiency by optimizing accessory speeds based on engine RPM, battery charge, and coolant temperature, while allowing for safe operation in various conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The wrap spring mechanism for efficient torque transfer
Implementation Method 2
The first overrunning clutch is configured to permit the input shaft to rotate in a drive direction faster than the transfer member
Data Source
AI summary
In a first aspect, the invention is directed to a multi-speed drive for controlling the speed of a load that is driven from a crankshaft of an engine. The multi-speed drive permits the speed of the load to be adjusted based on one or more parameters, such as vehicle speed, engine RPM, battery charge level (e.g. when the load is an alternator), coolant temperature (e.g. when the load is a cooling fan), engine power demand from the vehicle driver, water level in which the vehicle is driving (e.g. when the load is a cooling fan whose blades could be damaged or could cause damage to other vehicle components if they impact water during use). The speeds provided by the multi-speed drive may include two or more non-zero rotational speeds, or two or more non-zero rotational speeds and a zero speed, or one non-zero rotational speed and a zero speed.