Reverse Lever Shift Fork Module for Easier Gearbox Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing transmission assembly process is inefficient due to the need for simultaneous assembly operations on both ends of the reverse lever, complicating the integration of the shift fork module with the gear module, particularly when switching between forward and reverse gear stages.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a shift fork module with a reverse lever that can be easily assembled to the gear module, featuring a base member with a guiding groove for precise positioning and a moderation mechanism to facilitate rotational motion, allowing the reverse lever to switch between mated and non-mated states with the reverse drive and driven gears, simplifying the assembly and operation process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the reverse lever is assembled with both ends simultaneously engaged (one end to operation member, other end to reverse idle gear), then the reverse lever can switch between reverse and non-reverse states, but the assembly workability deteriorates due to the complexity of performing two assembling operations simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereverse lever engagement reliabilityVSAvoidassembly workability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The reverse lever assembly process is segmented into two independent stages: first assembling one end of the reverse lever to the operation member on the shift fork module, then separately assembling the other end to the reverse idle gear on the gear module. This segmentation eliminates the difficulty of simultaneous dual-end assembly while ensuring proper engagement at both locations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the shift fork module is mounted on the gear module requiring simultaneous assembly operations on both ends of the reverse lever, then the transmission can function with reverse gear capability, but the assembly time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereverse gear functionalityVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The reverse lever is preliminarily assembled to one end (operation member) before the actual mounting of the shift fork module to the gear module. This preliminary action prepares the reverse lever for subsequent easy connection to the reverse idle gear, reducing the time and complexity of the final assembly operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If the reverse lever is designed to be rotationally supported on the base member with swing motion, then the reverse idle gear can be switched between mated and non-mated states, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegear switching capabilityVSAvoidreverse lever support structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reverse lever is rotationally supported directly on the base member of the shift fork module, merging the support function into the existing base structure. This eliminates the need for separate support mechanisms while enabling the reverse lever to swing between positions for switching the reverse idle gear between mated and non-mated states.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3249265B1Shift fork module
Publication Date: 2021.12.08 ATSUMITEC CO LTD
  • EP3249265B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3249265B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3249265B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a shift fork module (Y2) with which a reverse lever (4) can be easily assembled and the assembling workability of the shift fork module (Y2) to the gear module (Y1) can be also improved. The shift fork module has a plurality of shift fork shafts (T1 to T3) to which shift forks (F1 to F3) are attached; an operation member (5) actuated when a transmission is shifted to reverse; a reverse lever (4) assembled with being coupled with the operation member (5), one end of the reverse lever being engaged with a reverse idle gear (Ga) when the reverse lever is assembled to the gear module (Y1), and the reverse lever being able to switch the reverse idle gear (Ga) between mated and not mated states with a reverse drive gear (G6) and a reverse driven gear (G6') via actuation of the operation member (5); and a base member (3) slidably supporting the shift fork shafts.