Shifting Fork Transmission Layout for Combined Gear and Park States
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle transmissions require multiple shifting forks, increasing complexity, weight, and software complexity due to the need for multiple components and actuation mechanisms to manage different gear states and lock states.
Innovation Solution
A transmission design that allows the first and second states (gear states and park lock states) to be selected simultaneously using a reduced number of shifting forks, where the shifting fork moves axially to activate both states efficiently, reducing the number of components and actuators needed, and allowing for simplified software control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple shifting forks are used to control different transmission elements, then the transmission can achieve multiple gear states and lock states, but the number of components and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single shifting fork is designed to perform multiple functions by sequentially engaging different transmission elements. The shifting fork can activate first, second, third, and fourth transmission elements through sequential axial movements, replacing what would traditionally require four separate shifting forks. This multi-functional design reduces component count while maintaining the ability to achieve multiple gear states and lock states.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of multiple shifting forks into a single shifting fork structure. By integrating multiple engagement points and sequential actuation capabilities into one component, the design merges what would be separate components into a unified system, reducing overall device complexity while preserving full transmission control capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple shifting forks and actuators are used, then all transmission states can be controlled, but the weight of the transmission increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple actuating components are merged into a single shifting fork that can sequentially engage different transmission elements. This consolidation eliminates the weight of multiple separate actuators and their mounting structures, reducing overall transmission weight while maintaining full control over gear states and lock states.
Solution Approach 2:
A single actuator is designed to drive the multi-functional shifting fork that can activate multiple transmission elements through sequential movements. This universal actuation system replaces what would require multiple dedicated actuators, significantly reducing the total weight of moving components while preserving complete transmission state control capability.
3Ease of operation
If multiple shifting forks are used, then precise control of each transmission element is achieved, but the software complexity increases due to more parameters to consider
Solution Approach 1:
The control system manages a single multi-functional shifting fork instead of multiple independent shifting forks. This reduces the number of control parameters from four separate actuator positions to one unified actuator with sequential positioning, simplifying software logic while maintaining precise control over all transmission elements through programmed sequential engagement.
Data Source
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Figure 3A
AI summary
The invention relates to atransmission (1) comprising a shifting fork (12). The transmission has a first state and a second state which are selectable by means of the shifting fork (12). The shifting fork is arranged to deactivate and activate a first element (7) of the transmission, where the first state of the transmission being provided when the first transmission element is activated, and to deactivate and activate a second element (8) of the transmission, where the second state of the transmission is provided when the second transmission element is activated. The shifting fork (12) is displaceable in an axial direction (13) between a first predetermined position (14) and a second predetermined position (15), and when the shifting fork is placed in the first predetermined position (14), the first transmission element (7) is activated providing the first state and the second transmission element (8) is deactivated, and when the shifting fork (12) is placed in the second predetermined position (15), the first transmission element (7) is activated providing the first state and the second transmission element (8) is activated providing the second state.