Transmission Shift Motor Actuators With Bus-Based Redundancy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic transmission systems for vehicles rely on valves or pressure regulators, which are inefficient, and while electric motors like brushless DC motors have been introduced, they often require complex central control units and lack redundancy for reliable operation of shift elements.
Innovation Solution
An electric motor system with actuators connected via a data bus, allowing communication and functional redundancy between multiple electric motors, where each motor has a communication module and supplementary functions can be executed by one actuator assuming the role of another in case of malfunction, distributing intelligence and simplifying maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a central control unit is used to control multiple electric motors, then coordination between motors is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the control function into segments by distributing intelligence to individual actuators rather than using a single central control unit. Each actuator contains its own control electronics and can independently control its associated electric motor, while still communicating with other actuators via a data bus for coordinated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control architecture is made dynamic and adaptable through the data bus communication system that allows actuators to exchange information and coordinates their actions dynamically. This enables the system to adapt to different operating conditions without requiring a rigid central control structure.
2Reliability
If redundancy is implemented for reliable operation, then system reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each actuator is designed as a universal, multi-functional unit that can independently control its associated electric motor and also communicate with and support other actuators in the system. This modular universal design provides redundancy without requiring separate backup systems, as any actuator can potentially take over functions of another if needed.
3Ease of repair
If distributed intelligence is implemented across actuators, then maintenance simplicity improves, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into independent modular actuators, each with its own control electronics. This segmentation allows individual actuators to be maintained or replaced without affecting the entire system, significantly improving ease of repair while the modular nature manages the complexity through standardization.
Solution Approach 2:
Each actuator is equipped with self-contained control electronics that enable it to autonomously control its associated motor and communicate with the system. This self-service capability reduces maintenance complexity by allowing individual units to be serviced independently with standardized procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an electric motor for operating shift elements in an automatic transmission for a vehicle that has an actuator for operating the electric motor mounted thereon. The actuator can be coupled to a data bus for communication. The actuator also has a communication module for communicating with at least one other actuator that can be coupled to the data bus for communication in at least one other electric motor.