Segmented Slide Ring for Uniform Force Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dog-clutch type stepped transmissions face issues with gear tilting and non-uniform force distribution on link portions, leading to inefficiencies and increased size and weight of slide rings due to misalignment and variations in machining precision.
Innovation Solution
A transmission design featuring a slide ring with radially inward protruding portions that can bend, distributing forces uniformly among multiple protruding portions, and a collar separate from the slide ring to simplify configuration and improve machining precision, reducing the size and weight of the slide ring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the distal end portions of the protruding portions are linked together, then the structural strength is improved, but the force distribution becomes non-uniform and the size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The slide ring is divided into multiple independent protruding portions that are not linked together at their distal end portions. Each protruding portion independently engages with a corresponding dog, allowing force to be distributed uniformly across all protruding portions during rotation, rather than concentrating stress at linkage points.
Solution Approach 2:
The protruding portions are designed to be flexible rather than rigidly linked, allowing them to dynamically adjust their positions during rotation. This flexibility enables uniform force distribution while maintaining sufficient structural strength for power transmission.
2Strength
If the protruding portions are made rigid to ensure strength, then the structural integrity is improved, but the force distribution becomes non-uniform due to machining variations
Solution Approach 1:
The protruding portions are designed with specific dimensional parameters including a width W1 that is 5 mm or less, and a length L1 that is 10 mm or more. These parameter specifications allow the protruding portions to be flexible enough to accommodate machining variations while maintaining sufficient structural integrity for power transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The protruding portions are designed to be flexible rather than rigid, allowing them to dynamically adjust their positions during rotation. This flexibility compensates for variations in machining precision, enabling uniform force distribution across all protruding portions even when manufacturing tolerances vary.
3Strength
If the slide ring is made larger to accommodate linked protruding portions, then the structural strength is improved, but the size and weight of the transmission increase
Solution Approach 1:
The slide ring is segmented into multiple independent protruding portions without interconnecting linkages at the distal ends. This segmentation eliminates the need for additional material required for linkages, reducing the overall volume and weight of the slide ring while maintaining sufficient structural strength through the distributed engagement design.
Solution Approach 2:
The protruding portions are designed with optimized parameters including a width W1 of 5 mm or less and a length L1 of 10 mm or more. These compact dimensions reduce the material required for each protruding portion, thereby reducing the overall volume and weight of the slide ring while maintaining adequate structural strength for power transmission.
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
The design prevents gear tilting and achieves uniform force distribution, reducing the size and weight of the slide ring while enhancing power transmission efficiency and mechanical strength.
Implementation Method 1
When a protruding portion receives a large force from a dog 88, the protruding portion bends in the circumferential direction, thus increasing the amount of force to be received by the other protruding portions from the other dogs 88
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
A slide ring 100 of a transmission 60 includes an annular portion 105, and a plurality of protruding portions 106 that extend radially inward from the annular portion 105 and are arranged next to each other in a circumferential direction. The annular portion 105 and the protruding portions 106 define engagement holes 108, into which dogs 88 of a driven gear are inserted. Distal end portions of the protruding portions 106 are not linked together.