Selectable One-Way Clutch with Indirect Electromagnetic Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional overrunning coupling devices, such as one-way clutches, lack independent control over their operational modes, limiting their functionality in modern automatic transmissions, and existing electromagnetic actuators face challenges in providing precise control for robust and reliable lockup functionality.
Innovation Solution
An electromagnetic actuator module with an indirect actuation configuration is introduced, featuring a coil assembly, a locking strut, and an intermediate member that moves between released and locked positions relative to cam surfaces, utilizing a magnetic armature or solenoid to control the locking member's movement, enhancing control and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a direct-acting electromagnetic actuator configuration is used where the strut is part of the magnetic circuit, then the actuator can provide robust lockup functionality, but precise control of the air gap between the core/pole piece and the strut is required which increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate member that serves as a mediator between the electromagnetic actuator and the locking strut. This intermediate member is attracted by the electromagnetic force and mechanically connects to the strut, indirectly actuating the locking mechanism. This intermediary approach eliminates the need for precise air gap control while maintaining reliable lockup functionality, as the intermediate member can be positioned closer to the pole piece without requiring the same level of precision as direct strut actuation.
2Device complexity
If a conventional one-way clutch is used, then the device structure is simple, but the device provides no independent control over lockup and freewheel modes limiting functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the clutch system into distinct functional components: a locking mechanism with a strut for lockup mode control, and a one-way overrunning coupling for freewheel mode control. The electromagnetic actuator with intermediate member is introduced as a separate control segment that can independently actuate the locking mechanism. This segmentation allows the system to maintain the simplicity of conventional one-way clutches while adding independent control capability for multiple operational modes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a selectable one-way clutch with electromagnetic actuator is used to provide controllable lockup and freewheel modes, then operational flexibility is improved, but the device complexity increases compared to conventional one-way clutches
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate member serves as a compact intermediary that reduces the overall size and complexity of the electromagnetic actuator assembly. By using this intermediate member to transmit the electromagnetic force to the strut, the design achieves selectable operational modes with a more compact and less complex actuator configuration compared to direct-acting electromagnetic actuators.
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 configuration allows for precise control of the locking mechanism, enabling robust and reliable lockup functionality in both directions, improving the operational flexibility and reliability of selectable one-way clutches in automatic transmissions.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic actuator including a moveable magnetic armature, a coil assembly and a pole piece
Implementation Method 2
Upon energization, the coil assembly generates a magnetic field that causes the armature to move from its released position toward its actuated position
Data Source
AI summary
A selectable one-way clutch includes a clutch module and at least one electromagnetic actuator module. Each electromagnetic actuator module includes at least one electromagnetic actuator assembly having a coil assembly, a locking strut, and a connection member mechanically interconnected to the locking strut for moving it between released and deployed positions in response to energization of the coil assembly.