Integrated Transmission Actuator Unit for Error-Free Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing transmission systems face difficulties in assembly and maintenance due to the separate and disparate positioning of components, leading to complex assembly planning and increased risk of incorrect assembly.

Innovation Solution

A transmission system with an integrated actuator unit that includes a housing with positioning and centering pins, allowing for error-free mounting and easy assembly and maintenance by treating the actuator unit as a self-contained component.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If components are provided separately or arranged in different positions, then each component can be optimized for its specific function, but assembly and disassembly become difficult and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional optimizationVSAvoidassembly difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple transmission control components (actuating element, positioning pins, centering pins, and housing) into a single integrated actuator unit. This merging allows the unit to be pre-assembled and tested as one module, improving functional reliability while simplifying final assembly into the transmission housing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The actuator unit is designed as a separate, self-contained module that can be assembled and tested independently before integration into the transmission. This segmentation enables optimized functional design within the module while simplifying overall assembly procedures through modular installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If components are arranged in different positions, then each component can be accessed independently, but assembly planning becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent accessibilityVSAvoidassembly planning time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By merging multiple components into one actuator unit with standardized positioning features, the patent reduces the number of separate assembly decisions required. The unit arrives pre-configured with all components in their correct positions, eliminating complex assembly planning while maintaining accessibility through the integrated design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If components are provided separately, then flexibility in design is maintained, but the risk of incorrect assembly increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign flexibilityVSAvoidassembly correctness
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning pins and centering pins act as intermediary elements that guide the actuator unit into its correct position within the transmission housing. These features serve as mechanical mediators that prevent incorrect assembly by providing physical constraints that only allow proper alignment, thereby eliminating assembly errors while maintaining design flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Manufacturing precision

If the actuator unit is integrated with positioning and centering pins, then assembly error is prevented, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly accuracyVSAvoidcomponent count
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning pins and centering pins are integrated as part of the actuator unit housing rather than being separate components. This merging reduces the overall component count and simplifies assembly, as the positioning features are already built into the unit during manufacturing, eliminating the need for separate installation steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3911877B1Actuator unit
Publication Date: 2025.06.04 KNORR BREMSE SYSTEME FUER NUTZFAHIZEUGE GMBH
  • EP3911877B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3911877B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to an actuator unit (A) for a shiftable transmission, in particular a transmission of an electrically driven utility vehicle, comprising an actuating element (5) which is designed to adjust at least two shift positions in the transmission (G), the actuator unit (A) being designed to be provided as a separate unit at least partially within the transmission (G). The invention further relates to a transmission (G) comprising such an actuator unit (A).