Forward/reverse switching mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing forward/reverse switching mechanisms have a high parts count due to the use of support members for floating members, which increases complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A forward/reverse switching mechanism that uses a planetary gear set with a sun gear and carrier as input and output parts, a ring gear as a floating member spline-fitted to a drum member, and a clutch to connect the ring gear and sun gear, eliminating the need for additional support members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a support member is used to fix the floating member (ring gear), then the ring gear can be properly supported and positioned, but the parts count increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the support member and the floating member (ring gear) into a single integrated component. The ring gear is designed with a built-in support structure that eliminates the need for separate support members, thereby reducing parts count while maintaining support stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring gear is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the floating member that needs support and the support structure itself. By making the ring gear multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for dedicated support members, reducing overall parts count while ensuring proper support.
2Reliability
If a support member is used to support the brake plate, then the brake plate can be properly positioned, but the parts count increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the support function into the brake plate itself or combines it with adjacent structural elements. The brake plate is designed with built-in support features that eliminate the need for separate support members, maintaining positioning accuracy while reducing parts count.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake plate is designed to serve multiple functions including both the braking function and the support function. By making the brake plate multi-functional, the patent eliminates dedicated support members for the brake plate, reducing parts count while ensuring proper positioning.
Data Source
AI summary
A forward/reverse switching mechanism is provided with a planetary gear set, a reverse brake and a forward clutch. The planetary gear set includes a sun gear which serves as an input part, a carrier which serves as an output part, and a ring gear. The reverse brake is adapted to fix the ring gear. The forward clutch is adapted to connect the ring gear and the sun gear to each other. The ring gear, a drive plate provided on a ring gear side of the reverse brake and a driven plate provided on a ring gear side of the forward clutch are spline-fitted to a clutch drum.