Transmission Actuation Fork Layout for Faster Shift Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuation devices for transmission systems, such as those used in motor vehicles, suffer from slow actuation times and complex assembly processes, particularly due to the use of costly mechanical devices like ball screws and claw-type disconnection mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
An actuation device with an electric motor, speed reduction mechanism, and an actuation fork that pivots through a radial offset, allowing for faster movement and simplified assembly by using a pre-mounted unitary assembly design that ensures accurate positioning without requiring additional mounting steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a ball screw mechanism is used to convert rotation of the electric motor into axial movement of the actuation fork, then the actuation device achieves reliable torque transmission, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the ball screw mechanism from the actuation system, replacing it with a direct gear-driven rotational actuation of the actuation fork. This removes the complex ball screw component while maintaining reliable torque transmission through the gear mechanism and direct mechanical connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the ball screw mechanical system with a gear-based mechanical system. The electric motor drives a gear that directly rotates the actuation fork, replacing the ball screw's lead-screw-to-nut conversion mechanism with a simpler gear-to-fork rotation mechanism.
2Manufacturing precision
If the actuation fork moves slowly to ensure precise positioning, then the positioning accuracy is improved, but the actuation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic actuation by enabling the actuation fork to rotate quickly to the target position and then maintain precise positioning through the gear mechanism's inherent positioning characteristics. The system transitions from static slow movement to dynamic quick movement with maintained precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The gear mechanism is pre-configured to provide inherent positioning capability, allowing the actuation fork to reach the position quickly without requiring slow controlled movement. The gear teeth engagement provides preliminary positioning assurance before final contact.
3Reliability
If a complex mechanical system like a ball screw is used for actuation, then the actuation reliability is improved, but the assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation system is segmented into distinct modular components: electric motor, gear mechanism, and actuation fork. Each component can be manufactured and assembled independently, simplifying the overall assembly process while maintaining reliability through proven individual component designs.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a ball screw to convert rotation to linear movement, the patent inverts the approach by using direct rotational movement of the actuation fork to engage the disconnection device. This inversion simplifies the mechanical linkage and assembly requirements.
4Length of moving object
If the actuation fork has a large angular displacement to achieve sufficient axial displacement, then the displacement requirement is met, but the actuation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the dimension of movement from linear axial displacement to rotational angular displacement. The actuation fork rotates within the actuation housing, and this rotational movement in a different dimension achieves the necessary displacement effect more quickly than linear movement would.
Solution Approach 2:
The gear mechanism acts as an intermediary that converts the electric motor's rotation into the actuation fork's rotation with optimized kinematics. This intermediary provides mechanical advantage that achieves the required displacement with smaller angular travel and faster actuation.
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 solution reduces actuation time and simplifies assembly by leveraging a radial offset actuation fork design, ensuring precise positioning and facilitating integration into transmission systems with improved efficiency and reduced complexity.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor capable of being fastened to an actuation housing
Implementation Method 2
a speed reduction device kinematically linked to the rotor of the electric motor and an output shaft of the speed reduction device
Implementation Method 3
an actuation fork rigidly connected to the output shaft of the speed reduction device for rotation therewith and comprising an actuation end that is radially offset relative to the first axis of rotation
Data Source
AI summary
An actuation device for a transmission system includes an electric motor capable of being fastened to an actuation housing, and a speed reduction device kinematically linked to the rotor of the electric motor and an output shaft of the speed reduction device having a first axis of rotation. An actuation fork is rigidly connected to the output shaft of the speed reduction device for rotation therewith and includes an actuation end that is radially offset relative to the first axis of rotation. The actuation fork is capable of pivoting through a first angular sector in the actuation housing.