Spindle Actuator With Internal Torque Support for Compact Shifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuator designs for motor vehicle transmission require external torque support, leading to increased load and space usage, which complicates the actuation of switching devices.
Innovation Solution
The spindle shaft is directly supported relative to a guide component fixed to the housing, ensuring internal torque support and reducing stress on adjacent components, with a tongue and groove connection providing stable anti-twist support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If external torque support is used for the spindle shaft, then the actuator structure is simpler, but the load on connected components increases and axial space is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The guide component is merged with the housing to form an integrated structure. The guide component includes guide surfaces that directly support the spindle shaft, combining the functions of guidance and torque support into a single integrated element, eliminating the need for separate external torque support mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The torque support function is transferred from an external axial support to internal radial support through the guide surfaces of the guide component. By utilizing the radial dimension within the actuator housing, the spindle shaft is supported against rotation internally, reducing axial space requirements and eliminating external torque support structures
2Ease of manufacture
If external torque support is used for the spindle shaft, then manufacturing is easier, but axial space usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide component integrates multiple functions including guiding the spindle shaft, supporting torque, and forming part of the housing structure. This merging reduces the number of separate components and their associated manufacturing steps while compacting the axial footprint
Solution Approach 2:
The guide component serves multiple functions simultaneously: it guides the spindle shaft during operation, provides torque support through its guide surfaces, and acts as a structural element of the housing. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate torque support components, reducing axial space usage
3Length of moving object
If internal torque support is implemented, then axial space is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide component is merged with the housing to form an integrated structure, combining guidance and torque support functions into a single element that is formed as one piece, thereby reducing device complexity despite the advanced functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The guide component includes guide surfaces that can be formed as integral parts of the housing or as thin-walled structures, utilizing the flexibility of sheet metal forming to create complex geometries without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity
4Device complexity
If the guide component is formed as an integral part of the housing, then the number of components is reduced, but manufacturing flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide component is designed with adjustable and removable features, allowing it to be adapted to different manufacturing requirements or application scenarios. The component can be removed or modified without affecting the entire housing structure, providing manufacturing flexibility despite being an integrated design
Solution Approach 2:
While the guide component is formed as an integral part of the housing, it includes separable or adjustable elements such as removable guide surfaces or adjustable support features, allowing for manufacturing flexibility and adaptability in different production scenarios
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
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AI summary
The invention relates to an actuator (1) for actuating at least one switching device of a motor vehicle, comprising a housing (2), an electric motor (3) housed in the housing (2) and a spindle drive (4) driven by the electric motor (3), wherein the spindle drive (4) is designed such that a rotary movement initiated at a spindle nut (5) of the spindle drive (4) by the electric motor (3) is converted into a displacement movement of a spindle shaft (6) of the spindle drive (4) along its longitudinal axis (7), wherein the spindle shaft (6) is directly supported against rotation relative to a housing-fixed guide component (8).