Ramp-On-Ramp Clutch Arrangement for Smooth Torque Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dog clutch systems in transmissions face challenges in smoothly transitioning torque between input and output gears, especially when used with electric motors, as they lack efficient mechanisms for axial actuation and coordination of multiple hubs, leading to complex designs and reduced adaptability.
Innovation Solution
The proposed transmission system incorporates a clutch arrangement with an input-gear selector and couplers featuring movable hubs and ramped teeth, allowing for smooth torque transfer and axial actuation, enabling simpler design, easier manufacture, and improved adaptability by selectively engaging and disengaging gears based on torque direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dog clutch system is used for gear selection in transmissions, then gear ratio changes can be achieved, but smooth torque transition between gears is difficult especially with electric motors
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch arrangement is segmented into multiple independent hubs (first hub, second hub, third hub) that can operate autonomously. Each hub handles specific clutch engagement tasks, allowing torque to be transferred smoothly through coordinated action of separate components rather than a single complex mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The third hub acts as an intermediary component that coordinates between the first and second hubs. It receives actuation signals and independently controls the second clutch, mediating the torque transition process to ensure smooth engagement while reducing the complexity burden on individual hubs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple clutches are used for gear selection, then gear ratio options increase, but coordination and control of the clutches becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch coordination function is segmented across three independent hubs, each responsible for specific clutch operations. This segmentation allows multiple gear ratio options to be achieved while distributing the control complexity across separate, manageable components rather than requiring a single complex coordination mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The third hub serves as an intermediary coordinator that manages the interaction between the first and second hubs. It independently actuates the second clutch based on gear selection requirements, simplifying the overall coordination complexity while maintaining multiple gear ratio options.
3Reliability
If axial actuation mechanism is added for smooth torque transfer, then torque transition improves, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The axial actuation function is segmented into independent hub components rather than requiring a single complex actuation mechanism. Each hub can be manufactured separately with standard axial actuation features, improving torque transfer smoothness while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular construction.
4Device complexity
If traditional dog clutch design is used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to electric motor applications is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional dog clutch structure is segmented into multiple independent hubs that can be independently actuated. This segmentation maintains the structural simplicity of individual components while enabling the system to adapt to electric motor applications through coordinated control of multiple hubs for smooth torque transition.
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch arrangement incorporates dynamic actuation capabilities where hubs can be independently controlled based on operational requirements. This dynamic control allows the structurally simple dog clutch design to adapt to the specific torque characteristics of electric motor applications.
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
This solution facilitates seamless torque transitions between input and output gears, even with electric motors, ensuring continuous torque application and simplifying the design and control of gear shifts, thus enhancing the transmission's efficiency and adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the first and second couplers may include a first ramped tooth and a second ramped tooth. The input-gear selector may include a first ramped tooth and a second ramped tooth. The first ramped tooth of the first coupler, the first ramped tooth of the input-gear selector, the second ramped tooth of the first coupler, and the second ramped tooth of the input-gear selector may be arranged to engage with one another
Data Source
AI summary
A clutch arrangement having a first coupler mounted for rotation with a first input gear, a second coupler mounted for rotation with a second input gear, and an input-gear selector mounted for rotation with an input shaft and positioned between the first and second couplers. The input-gear selector is movable on the input shaft relative to the first and second couplers. Engagement of the input-gear selector with the first coupler drives rotation of the first input gear with rotation of the input shaft, and engagement of the input-gear selector with the second coupler drives rotation of the second input gear with rotation of the input shaft.