Transmission Actuator Clutch Layout for Shared Motor Oil Pumping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Actuator systems for vehicle transmissions are expensive and inefficient due to high investment costs and a large number of components, with existing systems often requiring separate electric motors for the actuator and oil pump, leading to suboptimal utilization and increased complexity.
Innovation Solution
An actuator system integrating an electric motor, a clutch unit, and an oil pump unit, where the electric motor drives both the actuating unit and the oil pump, reducing the number of components and enabling efficient operation by sharing the electric motor's functionality between actuation and oil pumping tasks, with a compact design achieved by positioning the oil pump between the electric motor and the clutch unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate electric motor is used for the oil pump unit, then the oil pump can be driven independently, but the number of components increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electric motor is designed to perform multiple functions: driving the actuating unit during shifting operations and driving the oil pump unit during normal operation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a separate motor for the oil pump, reducing component count while maintaining operational versatility through clutch-mediated function selection
Solution Approach 2:
A clutch unit is introduced as an intermediary mechanism between the electric motor and the drive shaft. This clutch enables selective engagement/disengagement of the motor's power transmission to either the actuating unit or the oil pump unit, allowing independent operation capability while using a single motor
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional transmission configurations locate the oil pump unit apart from the actuator, then the oil pump can be positioned for optimal lubrication, but a separate electric motor is required increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The oil pump unit is physically integrated into the actuator system housing, positioned between the electric motor and the clutch unit. This merging allows the oil pump to be driven by the same electric motor that drives the actuator, eliminating the need for a separate motor while maintaining optimal positioning for lubrication of transmission components
3Device complexity
If the electric motor is used to drive both the actuating unit and the oil pump, then the number of components is reduced and cost is reduced, but the motor must be sized for peak combined load
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch unit enables periodic switching between different operational modes: during shifting operations, the motor drives the actuating unit; during normal operation, the motor drives the oil pump unit. This periodic alternation of functions allows the motor to be sized for individual peak loads rather than the sum of both, optimizing power requirements
Data Source
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Figure 1b
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AI summary
An actuator system for a vehicle transmission, where the system comprises an actuating unit and an electric motor drivingly connected to the actuating unit. The actuating unit is configured for being displaced by the electric motor between an engagement mode where the transmission is connected to a propulsion unit and a disengagement mode where the transmission is disconnected from the propulsion unit. The system further comprises a clutch unit arranged between the actuating unit and the electric motor and connected to a drive shaft of the electric motor. The clutch unit is configured for connecting the actuating unit to the electric motor when displacing the actuating unit between the engagement mode and the disengagement mode. The clutch unit is configured for disconnecting the actuating unit from the electric motor in the engagement mode. The system further comprises an oil pump unit drivingly connected to the electric motor, where the electric motor is configured for driving the oil pump unit at least in the engagement mode.