Vehicular Power Unit Clutch Actuator Perpendicular Layout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicular power units with clutch actuators disposed alongside the power shaft result in increased size due to the actuator bulging outward, compromising compactness and maintainability.
Innovation Solution
The clutch actuator is positioned perpendicular to the power shaft and located on the periphery of the clutch cover within the power unit case, with a power transmission mechanism using parallel reduction gear shafts to transmit force efficiently, allowing for a compact design and improved maintainability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the clutch actuator is disposed alongside the power shaft, then the clutch device can be engaged and disengaged effectively, but the power unit case size increases due to the actuator bulging outward
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch actuator is repositioned from a longitudinal arrangement (along the power shaft) to a lateral arrangement (perpendicular to the power shaft), utilizing the width dimension of the clutch cover instead of the length dimension. This dimensional shift allows the actuator to be accommodated within the existing longitudinal footprint of the power unit case.
2Volume of stationary object
If the clutch actuator is disposed on the periphery of the clutch cover, then the power unit case can be downsized, but the maintainability of the clutch actuator may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch actuator is extracted from the internal arrangement alongside the power shaft and repositioned to the peripheral region of the clutch cover. This extraction allows the actuator to be accessed from the exterior side of the clutch cover, facilitating easier maintenance while occupying minimal space within the power unit case.
Data Source
AI summary
A power unit includes, electric motors for generating driving forces for respectively engaging clutches, and a clutch cover covering outer sides of the clutches in a direction along a power shaft. The electric motors are disposed in such a manner that drive axes arranged in a longitudinal direction thereof are perpendicular to the direction along the power shaft; further, the electric motors are disposed on the periphery of the clutch cover within a width W in the direction along the power shaft.