Switchable Freewheel Mechanism for Planetary Transmission Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle transmissions with planetary gearsets face challenges in adapting their transmission characteristics to various operating situations in a simple and space-efficient manner.
Innovation Solution
A switchable freewheel mechanism with a first and second ring, tiltable blocking bodies, and a switching element that allows for three distinct positions: freewheeling, blocking, and inactive, enabling the adaptation of the transmission ratio by selectively engaging or disengaging the blocking bodies with the rings, and is actuated by an electromechanical system for gear ratio changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate parking lock and transmission lock are used, then reliable parking lock functionality is achieved, but device complexity and component count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the parking lock function and transmission lock function into a single freewheel mechanism. The freewheel integrates multiple functions (freewheeling, blocking, and parking lock) that were previously performed by separate components, thereby reducing device complexity and component count while maintaining reliable parking lock functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The freewheel mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions: it enables freewheeling operation, provides transmission blocking, and implements parking lock functionality. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function, reducing overall system complexity
2Reliability
If a separate transmission lock is used for parking lock, then reliable parking lock functionality is achieved, but production costs and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the transmission lock and parking lock functions into a single freewheel mechanism, reducing the total number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled. This integration simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces production costs while maintaining reliable parking lock functionality
3Reliability
If multiple separate components are used for freewheeling and blocking functions, then functional reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines freewheeling and blocking functions into a single integrated freewheel mechanism with a unified control system. The switching element controls blocking bodies to achieve different transmission states (freewheeling, blocking, parking lock) without requiring separate components for each function, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining functional reliability
Data Source
AI summary
A freewheel for changing a transmission characteristic of a planetary transmission for a motor vehicle transmission. The freewheel has a first ring which has a first blocking contour, a second ring which is rotatable relative to the first ring and which has a second blocking contour, tiltable blocking bodies which can be caused to engage into the first blocking contour and into the second blocking contour, and a switching element for tilting the blocking bodies. The switching element, in a blocking position, clamps the blocking bodies immovably to the first blocking contour and to the second blocking contour, in a freewheel position, allows unidirectional freewheeling, and in an inactive position, holds the blocking bodies down on the first ring so as to be spaced apart from the second ring.