Single-Fork Transmission Shifting for Gear and Park Lock States
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle transmissions require multiple shifting forks, leading to increased complexity, space requirements, and component count, which complicates both mechanical and software aspects.
Innovation Solution
A transmission design that utilizes a single shifting fork to selectively activate and deactivate two transmission elements, allowing for two states (gear state and park lock state) to be achieved with reduced components and simplified software.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple shifting forks are used to control multiple transmission elements, then each transmission element can be independently actuated, but the number of components increases and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple shifting fork functions into a single shifting fork that can selectively engage with multiple transmission elements. This single shifting fork integrates the functionality of what would traditionally require multiple separate shifting forks, thereby reducing component count while maintaining the ability to independently actuate different transmission elements through sequential engagement
2Ease of operation
If multiple shifting forks are used to control multiple transmission elements, then each element can be activated, but the weight of the transmission increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple shifting fork assemblies into a single shifting fork structure, directly reducing the total weight of moving components. By eliminating redundant forks and their associated actuators, the overall weight of the transmission system is reduced while preserving full functionality for activating multiple transmission elements
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple shifting forks are used, then multiple transmission states can be controlled, but the software complexity for controlling components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single shifting fork is designed with multi-functionality to engage with multiple different transmission elements, making it a universal actuator. This universality simplifies the control software because there is only one actuator to control rather than multiple separate actuators, reducing the complexity of coordination while maintaining the ability to achieve multiple transmission states
Data Source
AI summary
A transmission includes a shifting fork and has first and second states that are selectable with the shifting fork. The shifting fork deactivates and activates a first element of the transmission, where the first state is provided when the first transmission element is activated, and to deactivate and activate a second element of the transmission, where the second state of the transmission is provided when the second transmission element is activated. The shifting fork is displaceable in an axial direction between first and second predetermined positions, and when the shifting fork is placed in the first predetermined position, the first transmission element is activated providing the first state and the second transmission element is deactivated, and when the shifting fork is placed in the second predetermined position, the first transmission element is activated providing the first state and the second transmission element is activated providing the second state.