Clearance Control Swash Plate for Single-Shaft Two-Speed Drive

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vehicle drive systems face challenges with space efficiency, weight, and fuel efficiency due to the separate installation of reducers and multiple shaft connections, and pin-type synchronizers experience issues with smooth gear shifts and increased part count and cost.

Innovation Solution

A clearance control swash plate device and single-shaft two-speed drive system utilizing planetary gears and a band brake mechanism, where the clearance control swash plate device includes action and thrust bearings, swash plates, and a worm gear system to achieve power transfer and reduction on a single axial line, allowing for adjustable reduction ratios and reduced part count.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a pin-type synchronizer is used to achieve strong synchronization force, then synchronization capability is improved, but gear shift smoothness deteriorates and space occupation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynchronization capabilityVSAvoidgear shift smoothness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The synchronizer ring is divided into multiple segments that can move independently relative to each other. During gear shifting, these segments expand radially to engage with the synchronization pin, providing gradual engagement rather than abrupt contact. This segmentation allows the synchronizer to maintain strong synchronization force while achieving smooth gear shifts through controlled, progressive engagement of the segmented elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If conventional separate installation of reducer and multiple shaft connections is used, then power transfer functionality is achieved, but installation space and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower transfer functionalityVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the reducer and differential into a single integrated housing, eliminating the need for separate installation of these components. The single-shaft design merges the power transfer path into one axial line, consolidating multiple shaft connections into a unified structure. This merging reduces the overall installation space and weight while maintaining reliable power transfer functionality through the integrated gear mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Power

If multiple shaft connections are used for power transfer, then power transmission capability is achieved, but weight and volume increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower transmission capabilityVSAvoiddrive system weight
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a single-shaft architecture that consolidates multiple shaft connections into one primary power transfer path. The differential and reducer components are mounted on this single shaft, eliminating redundant shafts and connection points. This merging reduces the overall weight of the drive system while maintaining full power transmission capability through the streamlined, unified structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This configuration reduces installation space, weight, and part count, improves fuel efficiency, and enables smooth gear shifts while actively managing reduction ratios, overcoming the limitations of conventional systems.

Implementation Method 1

a worm gear system to achieve power transfer and reduction on a single axial line, allowing for adjustable reduction ratios

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWorm gear mechanism: Worm Drive

Implementation Method 2

single-shaft two-speed drive system with friction clutch applied thereto

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3401563B1Clearance control swash plate device and single-shaft two-speed drive system with friction clutch applied thereto
Publication Date: 2021.05.19 ETR CO LTD
  • EP3401563B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3401563B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3401563B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed herein are a clearance control swash plate device for a transmission or reducer and a single-shaft two-speed drive system, including the clearance control swash plate device, with a friction clutch applied thereto. The clearance control swash plate device includes: an action plate mounted on a power transfer shaft; a first thrust bearing disposed on the action plate, and configured to prevent rotation force, received from the action plate, from being transferred; a first clearance swash plate disposed on the first thrust bearing; a second clearance swash plate disposed on the first clearance swash plate; a worm engaged with a worm gear formed on the outer circumference of the second clearance swash plate; a second thrust bearing disposed on the second clearance swash plate, and configured to prevent rotation force, received from the second clearance swash plate, from being transferred; and a thrust washer disposed on the second thrust bearing.