Transmission Actuator Sensor Arrangement for Interference Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing transmission actuators are complex to manufacture and assemble, have a high failure rate, and struggle to accurately detect multiple translation movements due to interference between sensors.

Innovation Solution

A transmission actuator design where two measuring directions are essentially parallel and the third forms an obtuse angle with the measuring direction plane, minimizing interference and using a smaller gate sensor magnet to reduce signal overlap, resulting in a robust and space-saving solution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional sensor arrangements are used to detect multiple translation movements, then sensor coverage is achieved, but sensor interference occurs leading to high failure rates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidsensor interference
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dimensional separation by arranging three measuring directions in three-dimensional space rather than confining them to a single plane. Two measuring directions are arranged essentially parallel to each other, while the third measuring direction is arranged at an angle (preferably perpendicular) to the plane formed by the first two. This spatial configuration in three dimensions effectively separates the measurement fields of the sensors, minimizing interference while maintaining comprehensive detection capability for all translation movements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If multiple sensors are arranged closely to detect different positions, then detection coverage is improved, but assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition detection accuracyVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the three sensors and their support structures into a single integrated sensor unit. This unified design allows all three sensors to be pre-assembled and calibrated together, then installed as one module onto the transmission actuator. The merging eliminates the need for separate mounting operations for each sensor, reduces the number of alignment steps, and simplifies the overall assembly process while maintaining precise detection capabilities for split stage position, gate rod position, and gear rod position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor unit is designed with universal functionality to detect all three critical positions (split stage, gate rod, and gear rod) through a single integrated structure. This multi-functional design replaces what would otherwise require three separate sensor assemblies, each needing individual installation and calibration. The universal sensor unit simplifies assembly procedures and reduces the overall complexity of the transmission actuator system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Area of stationary object

If sensors are arranged in a compact configuration, then installation space is reduced, but sensor interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation spaceVSAvoidsignal overlap
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves the conflict between compactness and interference by transitioning from a two-dimensional planar arrangement to a three-dimensional spatial configuration. Two measuring directions are arranged essentially parallel within a plane, while the third measuring direction extends perpendicular to this plane. This vertical separation in the third dimension allows the sensors to be closely positioned in the horizontal plane (saving installation space) while maintaining adequate separation in the vertical direction (minimizing signal interference).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 design significantly reduces the likelihood of sensor interference, simplifies assembly, and enhances reliability by minimizing signal overlap, leading to a more accurate and error-prone detection of shifting positions.

Implementation Method 1

a split sensor designed to detect a shift position of a split stage of the transmission that is longitudinally displaceable in a split sensor measuring direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field detection: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

a gate sensor designed to detect a gate rod position of a gate rod of the transmission longitudinally displaceable in a gate sensor measuring direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field detection: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 3

a gear sensor which is designed to detect a gear rod position of a gear rod of the transmission longitudinally displaceable in a gear sensor measuring direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field detection: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP2265844B1Transmission actuator
Publication Date: 2015.08.05 ZF CV SYST HANNOVER GMBH
  • EP2265844B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2265844B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2265844B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a transmission actuator for a transmission, having a split sensor (16, 36), which is configured for detecting a switching position of a split phase rod of the transmission that can be longitudinally displaced in a split sensor measuring direction (RS) in longitudinal direction, a gate sensor (30), which is configured to detect a gate rod position of a gate rod of the transmission that can be longitudinally displaced in a gate sensor measuring direction (RG), and a gear sensor (34), which is configured for detecting a gear rod position of a gear rod of the transmission that can be longitudinally displaced in a gear sensor measuring direction (RN). The invention provides that two measuring directions (RS, RG) extend substantially parallel and span a measuring direction plane (E), and that the third measuring direction (RN) forms an obtuse angle (γ) with the measuring direction plane (E).