Transaxle Bi-Directional Overrunning Clutch Cage Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing transaxle designs with bi-directional overrunning clutches have complicated assembly processes and weakened end portions, leading to increased complexity and reduced durability due to the concentration of the clutch-engagement control unit's components on one side.
Innovation Solution
A transaxle design that distributes the friction mechanism and clutch-off biasing mechanism across opposite end portions of the cage, using a spring or torsion spring to bias the cage for disengagement, simplifying assembly and enhancing durability by reducing stress on specific portions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the clutch-engagement control unit components are concentrated on one side of the transaxle, then the assembly is compact, but the end portions become complicated in shape and weakened
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch-off biasing mechanism is segmented from the main control unit and distributed to opposite end portions of the cage. This segmentation allows the control components to be spread out rather than concentrated, maintaining compactness while avoiding weakening of specific end portions.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit components are arranged in the axial direction along the cage rather than being concentrated at one location. This dimensional redistribution spreads the load and complexity across multiple locations, preventing localized weakening while maintaining overall compactness.
2Ease of manufacture
If the clutch-engagement control unit components are concentrated on one side, then assembly is simplified in one location, but the overall assembly process becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the clutch-off biasing mechanism into separate units at opposite ends of the cage, the complexity is distributed rather than concentrated. This makes the overall assembly process simpler as each end portion has a dedicated, straightforward mechanism rather than requiring complex integration of multiple components in one location.
3Ease of operation
If the cage is biased to neutral position, then smooth disengagement is achieved, but additional components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch-off biasing mechanism uses the rotational motion of the cage itself to drive the disengagement process. As the cage rotates, the biasing mechanism automatically restores it to the neutral position, achieving smooth disengagement without requiring external control systems or additional actuating components.
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 design simplifies the assembly process and enhances the durability of the transaxle by distributing the load and stress, preventing unexpected engagement and ensuring smooth operation between two-wheel and four-wheel drive modes.
Implementation Method 1
a spring or torsion spring to bias the cage for disengagement
Data Source
AI summary
A transaxle includes a transaxle casing, a bi-directional overrunning clutch in the transaxle casing, a friction mechanism, and a clutch-off biasing mechanism. The bi-directional overrunning clutch includes coaxial input and output members journalled by the transaxle casing, and includes a cage disposed between the input member and the output member. Rollers carried by the cage are rotatable to follow rotation of the output member. The cage is rotatable relative to the input member according to the rotation of the rollers following the output member until the rollers contact the input member to engage the bi-directional overrunning clutch. The friction mechanism applies a friction resistance to the cage to rotate the cage relative to the input member. The clutch-off biasing mechanism biases the cage to the initial position. The friction mechanism and the clutch-off biasing mechanism are distributed in the transaxle casing at first and second end portions of the cage.