Transaxle Torque Limiter with One-Way Clutch for Backward Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing four-wheel drive all-terrain vehicles face challenges in transmitting large torque to the front wheels during backward movement, as the torque limiter often fails to sufficiently transmit power during climbing or towing operations.
Innovation Solution
A transaxle design incorporating a torque limiter with a one-way clutch, where the torque limiter is connected between the input and output shafts, allowing relative rotation only when the vehicle moves forward, ensuring that the torque is limited and effectively transmitted during backward movement by engaging the one-way clutch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a torque limiter is used to release peak torque during forward movement, then the torque is limited to protect the power system, but the torque cannot be sufficiently transmitted during backward movement
Solution Approach 1:
The torque limiter incorporates a one-way clutch that dynamically changes its torque transmission characteristics based on rotation direction. When rotating in the forward direction, the clutch disengages allowing torque limitation through friction plates. When rotating in the backward direction, the clutch engages to firmly connect the input and output shafts, enabling full torque transmission for climbing or towing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The torque limiter is divided into functionally independent segments: a first torque limiter for forward movement that can limit torque, and a second torque limiter for backward movement that ensures sufficient torque transmission. This segmentation allows each segment to be optimized for its specific directional requirement without compromising the other.
2Reliability
If the torque limiter limits torque during forward movement, then the power system is protected, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The torque limiter is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides torque limitation during forward movement and full torque transmission during backward movement. The one-way clutch mechanism allows a single device to perform both functions, eliminating the need for separate torque limiters for each direction and reducing overall system complexity.
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 transaxle effectively transmits torque during backward movement, protecting the power system from excessive loads and maintaining efficient power delivery, even under heavy loads such as climbing or towing, by automatically switching to a two-wheel drive state when necessary.
Implementation Method 1
By connecting the input unit and the driven unit with a one-way clutch, the second shaft is rotatable relative to the first shaft when a rotation direction of the first shaft is a first direction, and the second shaft is non-rotatable relative to the first shaft when the rotation direction is a second direction opposite to the first direction.
Implementation Method 2
a torque limiter including an input unit inserted in a middle position of the input shaft in the axle housing and connected to the other end of the first shaft so as to be relatively non-rotatable, a driven unit connected to a second end of the second shaft so as to be relatively non-rotatable, and a region transmitting a torque between the input unit and the driven unit while limiting the torque to a predetermined value or less
Data Source
AI summary
A transaxle may include an input shaft including a first shaft and a second shaft; and a torque limiter including an input unit and connected to the other end of the first shaft so as to be relatively non-rotatable, a driven unit connected to a second end of the second shaft so as to be relatively non-rotatable, and a region transmitting a torque between the input unit and the driven unit while limiting the torque to a predetermined value or less. By connecting the input unit and the driven unit of the torque limiter with a one-way clutch, the second shaft is rotatable relative to the first shaft when a rotation direction of the first shaft is a first direction, and the second shaft is non-rotatable relative to the first shaft when the rotation direction is a second direction opposite to the first direction.