Nested Shaft Vehicle Transmission for Compact Length
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power transmitting apparatuses for vehicles face challenges in minimizing length, enhancing drivability, and improving fuel economy while preventing distortion of step ratios and enabling skip shift functionality.
Innovation Solution
A power transmitting apparatus with a variable connecting device, including two clutches and input/output shafts with specific gear configurations, allows for selective torque transmission and parallel output shafts with synchronizer modules, enabling efficient gear shifting and skip shifting between high and specific shift steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a conventional single-shaft transmission layout is used, then the structure is simple, but the length of the power transmitting apparatus cannot be minimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested shaft arrangement where the first input shaft is positioned within the second input shaft, and the first output shaft is positioned within the second output shaft. This nesting configuration allows multiple shafts to occupy the same spatial envelope, significantly minimizing the overall length of the power transmitting apparatus while maintaining the complexity of dual-clutch functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a conventional single-shaft linear layout to a multi-shaft three-dimensional arrangement. By utilizing parallel shafts positioned at different spatial locations and orientations, the design achieves compact packaging in multiple dimensions, reducing the overall apparatus length while accommodating complex gear train requirements.
2Length of moving object
If gear ratios are distorted to achieve compact size, then the length is reduced, but drivability and fuel economy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the transmission into separate functional segments: even-numbered gear clusters (2nd, 4th, 6th speeds) are associated with one shaft, while odd-numbered gear clusters (1st, 3rd, 5th speeds) are associated with the other shaft. This segmentation allows each shaft to be optimized for specific gear ratios, maintaining proper step ratios and fuel economy while achieving a compact overall design through the nested shaft configuration.
3Ease of operation
If manual shift maneuver is required, then the transmission can be simple, but convenience and automated control are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dual-clutch automated manual transmission system where two clutches independently control the two input shafts. The clutch control unit automatically manages clutch engagement and disengagement based on driving conditions and selected gear, eliminating the need for manual clutch operation while maintaining the mechanical simplicity of manual transmission gear trains. This self-service automation enhances convenience without requiring complex automated transmission mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A power transmitting apparatus for a vehicle, includes a variable connecting device, an input device, a speed output device having first and second synchronizer modules, and a reverse speed device. An even-numbered highest speed gear is disposed at one of synchronizer modules related to even-numbered speeds among the synchronizer modules. An odd-numbered highest speed gear is disposed at one of synchronizer modules related to odd-numbered speeds among the synchronizer module.