Vehicle Slide-Out Clutch Module for Manual Retraction
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing slide-out arrangements for vehicles, particularly in motorhomes and caravan trailers, face difficulties in manually retracting the slide-out box when the electric motor fails, due to the challenge of decoupling the electric motor from the drive system.
Innovation Solution
A fluid-controlled clutch module is introduced, which allows for the decoupling of the electric motor from the drive system using a switchable clutch device. This clutch device can be activated remotely through a fluid connection, enabling manual operation of the slide-out box even when the electric motor is defective.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the electric motor is permanently connected to the drive system, then the slide-out box can be reliably extended and retracted using electric power, but manual retraction becomes extremely difficult when the motor fails
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling between the electric motor and drive system is segmented into separable parts: a drive member connected to the motor and an output member connected to the drive wheel, joined by detachable coupling members. This allows the system to operate as a unified electric drive during normal operation but be easily separated for manual operation when the motor fails.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling members are designed with dynamic characteristics that allow automatic engagement during electric operation but facilitate easy disengagement for manual operation. The coupling device transitions from a locked engaged state during motor operation to a disengaged state when the motor fails, enabling manual retraction.
2Ease of operation
If a clutch device is added to enable decoupling, then manual retraction becomes possible when the motor fails, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is merged with the existing drive system components rather than being a separate add-on. The coupling members are integrated into the drive member and output member, and the spring mechanism is incorporated into the housing, reducing overall system complexity while enabling manual operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device is designed to be self-actuating through spring forces and fluid pressure, eliminating the need for complex control mechanisms. The spring automatically engages the coupling members when fluid pressure is released, and the system self-regulates during operation without requiring additional control components.
3Ease of operation
If a fluid-controlled coupling device is used, then remote decoupling is enabled without direct contact with the drive system, but the device complexity and fluid system requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
A fluid pressure system is used to control the coupling device, allowing remote operation without direct contact with moving parts. The fluid pressure actuates a piston that releases the spring force, enabling the coupling members to disengage. This provides a simple yet effective means of remote control.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid pressure system acts as an intermediary between the operator and the coupling device. Instead of directly manipulating the coupling members, the operator applies fluid pressure through a connected line, and the fluid mediates the force transmission to actuate the piston and release the coupling.
4Productivity
If the coupling members are always engaged for reliable power transmission, then electric operation is efficient, but manual operation becomes impossible when the motor fails
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling members are designed with dynamic engagement characteristics, maintained in an engaged state by spring force during normal operation for efficient power transmission. When fluid pressure is applied, the coupling members dynamically disengage, allowing the drive wheel to rotate freely for manual operation. The system adapts its state based on operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement state of the coupling members is controlled by changing the fluid pressure parameter. Under normal pressure, the spring maintains engagement for efficient electric operation. When fluid pressure is increased, it overcomes the spring force and separates the coupling members, enabling manual operation. The system transitions between states by changing this single parameter.
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 fluid-controlled clutch module facilitates safe and convenient manual operation of the slide-out box by decoupling the electric motor, allowing users to retract the box in case of a motor failure, thus ensuring vehicle mobility and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The clutch device can be activated remotely through a fluid connection, enabling manual operation of the slide-out box
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The primary proposal is a slide-out arrangement (10) for a vehicle (200) and a coupling module (100) for this purpose. The slide-out arrangement (10) comprises a drive system (20) by means of which a slide-out box (230) can be moved. The drive system (20) has at least one electric motor (22) which, in a functional state, is operatively connected to at least one drive wheel (28) for moving the slide-out box (230). It is proposed that the drive system (20) has at least one switchable coupling device (40), which is designed as a fluid-controlled coupling device (40) and by means of which the operative connection between the electric motor (22) and the drive wheel (28) can be interrupted and established by means of a decoupled state. A coupling module (100) is also proposed, which combines a coupling device (40) and a brake device (32).