Compact Transaxle Differential Locking via Radial Slider
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional differential locking mechanisms in transaxles are bulky, making it difficult to minimize the axial size of the transaxle, which can lead to increased costs and complexity when trying to maintain a compact design.
Innovation Solution
A differential locking mechanism that includes a cylindrical part and a differential locking slider, which are positioned radially outward from the differential side gear, allowing for a more compact design by eliminating the need for additional space on the axle, and using steel for the cylindrical part and powder metal for other components to reduce costs and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the thrust collar and shifter are disposed on the distal side of the differential side gear, then the differential locking mechanism can function properly, but the transaxle becomes large-sized requiring additional space between the HST chamber and axle
Solution Approach 1:
The differential locking slider is moved from the axial direction (distal side of differential side gear) to the radial direction (radially outward from differential side gear). This dimensional change allows the locking mechanism to occupy radial space instead of axial space, enabling compact transaxle design without sacrificing locking function
Solution Approach 2:
The cylindrical part and differential locking slider are positioned within the radial space already present in the differential gear unit, nesting the locking mechanism within the existing structural envelope rather than adding external components that would increase axial length
2Volume of moving object
If the transaxle is made small-sized, then costs are reduced and compactness is achieved, but there is no space between the rear side of the HST chamber and the right axle for locating the thrust collar and shifter
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism components are relocated from axial positioning to radial positioning, allowing the transaxle to be compact axially while still providing adequate space for all components in the radial dimension
3Reliability
If the thrust collar with shifter is provided on the left axle, then the mechanism can function, but the transaxle casing must be modified to expand leftward, increasing costs and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The radial positioning of the cylindrical part and differential locking slider creates a universal design that can be applied to either left or right axles without requiring asymmetric casing modifications, simplifying manufacturing and reducing costs
Data Source
AI summary
In a transaxle, the transaxle includes a hydrostatic continuously variable transmission, at least one axle, a gear train for drivingly connecting the hydrostatic continuously variable transmission and the axle, a housing accommodating the hydrostatic continuously variable transmission, the axle, the gear train and storing an oil therein, and a reservoir tank connected to the housing so that the oil in the housing can be moved back and forth. The reservoir tank has a rectangular parallelepiped shape and is disposed on a side of a final reduction bull gear included in the gear train and above the axle along an axis direction of the axle.