Planetary Drive Unit With Selectable One-Way Clutch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drive units with electric motors face high energy consumption due to the need for hydraulic pressure to manage clutch operations during forward and rearward traveling.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a selectable one-way clutch and a centrifugal clutch mechanism that allows for clutch operation without hydraulic pressure by switching between operating modes based on travel direction, reducing energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hydraulic pressure is used to operate clutches for preventing gear rotation, then reliable clutch engagement is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The one-way clutch mechanism automatically engages and disengages based on the direction of rotational force without requiring external hydraulic pressure control. The mechanism self-regulates clutch engagement state according to whether the gear needs to be prevented from rotating, eliminating the need for energy-consuming hydraulic pressure application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the hydraulic pressure-based clutch control system with a mechanically-operated one-way clutch system. The one-way clutch uses mechanical cam followers and springs to achieve automatic engagement/disengagement based on rotational direction, substituting the complex hydraulic control system with a simpler mechanical self-regulating mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If hydraulic pressure systems are implemented for clutch control, then precise clutch operation is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The one-way clutch mechanism automatically determines when engagement is needed based on the direction of applied torque, eliminating the need for complex hydraulic control systems with valves, pumps, and control circuits. The mechanism self-regulates based on physical conditions without requiring complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the hydraulic pressure control system from the clutch operation mechanism, retaining only the essential mechanical one-way clutch components. This extraction eliminates the complex hydraulic infrastructure while preserving the core function of preventing gear rotation in specific directions.
3Use of energy by moving object
If selectable one-way clutch is used to prevent gear rotation without hydraulic pressure, then energy consumption is reduced, but control flexibility may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The selectable one-way clutch mechanism dynamically adapts its engagement state based on the direction of rotational force applied to the gear. The mechanism automatically transitions between engaged and disengaged states depending on whether the rotation is in the forward or reverse direction, providing flexible control without requiring external energy input or complex control systems.
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
Achieves reduced energy consumption by eliminating the need for hydraulic pressure in clutch operations, optimizing energy use in both forward and rearward traveling modes.
Implementation Method 1
The centrifugal element is rotated unitarily with the output member. The centrifugal element is disposed to be radially movable with respect to the output member.
Data Source
AI summary
A planetary gear mechanism includes a sun gear, a planet gear, a ring gear, and a planet carrier. An input member couples an electric motor to the ring gear or the sun gear. An output member is coupled to the planet carrier. A first clutch couples/decouples the input member and the output member. A selectable one-way clutch is disposed between a stationary member and the other of the ring gear and the sun gear. In a first operating mode, the selectable one-way clutch allows the other of the ring gear and the sun gear to rotate in a forward moving direction but prevents the other of the ring gear and the sun gear from rotating in a rearward moving direction. In a second operating mode, the selectable one-way clutch prevents the other of the ring gear and the sun gear from rotating in the forward moving direction.