Nested Clutch Assembly for Automatic Torque Path Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transmission units for electric vehicles often require complex actuation mechanisms to switch between torque paths, leading to inefficiencies and potential errors, while those for internal combustion engines are bulky due to multiple gears.
Innovation Solution
A clutch assembly with nested multi-plate clutches that utilize a biasing mechanism to automatically switch between torque paths, eliminating the need for actuation in one path and reducing structural complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If complex actuation mechanisms are used to switch between torque paths, then switching capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch assembly uses a biasing means (spring) to automatically engage the second coupling means and disengage the first coupling means without requiring an actuator. The system serves itself by using the inherent mechanical bias to perform the switching function, eliminating the need for complex actuation mechanisms while maintaining torque path switching capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using an actuator to actively engage a clutch, the invention inverts the approach by using a biasing means to actively disengage the first clutch while the second clutch engages passively. The default state is engagement of the second coupling means, and actuation is only required to switch to the first coupling means, reversing the conventional approach.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple clutches are provided for torque path switching, then switching capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first coupling means and second coupling means are arranged in a nested configuration where the second coupling means is positioned within or adjacent to the first coupling means. This nesting allows both clutches to share common components such as the input flange and housing, reducing the overall number of parts and simplifying the assembly structure while maintaining the ability to switch between torque paths.
3Ease of operation
If actuation is required for torque path switching, then switching control is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing means automatically performs the switching function by engaging the second coupling means and disengaging the first coupling means without requiring external actuation energy. The system uses the mechanical energy stored in the spring to perform the switching action, eliminating the need for actuators and associated energy consumption for automatic torque path switching.
4Reliability
If biasing means is used for automatic engagement, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nested arrangement of the first and second coupling means allows the biasing means to efficiently interact with both clutches using a compact structure. The nesting enables the spring to simultaneously influence the engagement state of both clutches, achieving reliable automatic engagement while minimizing the space and components required for the biasing 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
The clutch assembly provides efficient, reliable, and compact torque transmission by automatically selecting torque paths, minimizing actuation energy consumption and reducing errors, suitable for both electric and internal combustion vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
The second coupling means is biased into the engagement state and the first coupling means is biased into the disengagement state by the biasing means
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a clutch assembly (44) for selectively coupling one of a first output shaft (28) and a second output shaft (30) with an input shaft (26). The clutch assembly (44) comprises an input flange (48) configured for coupling to the input shaft (26), a first coupling means (60) rotatable around a first axis, a second coupling means (62) rotatable around a second axis, a first output flange (50) configured for coupling to the first output shaft (28), a second output flange (52) configured for coupling to the second output shaft (30) and a biasing means (94). Moreover, a transmission unit (18) is presented. The transmission unit (18) comprises the clutch assembly (44), the input shaft (26), the first output shaft (28) and the second output shaft (30). The input shaft (26) is drivingly connected to the input flange (48), the first output shaft (28) is drivingly connected to the first output flange (50) and the second output shaft (30) is drivingly connected to the second output flange (52). Furthermore, a vehicle (10) comprising the clutch assembly (44) or the transmission unit (18) is presented.