Transmission Actuator Clutch Layout With Shared Oil Pump Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Actuator systems for vehicle transmissions are costly and inefficient due to high investment costs and a large number of components, with existing systems often using separate electric motors for actuating and oil pumping, leading to suboptimal utilization and increased complexity.
Innovation Solution
Integration of an oil pump unit and a clutch unit with the electric motor, where the electric motor drives both the actuating unit and the oil pump, reducing the number of components and enhancing efficiency by utilizing the motor for both functions, particularly in the engagement mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate electric motors are used for actuating and oil pumping, then the functions are reliably performed, but the number of components increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the actuating function and oil pumping function into a single integrated actuator system. The electric motor's output shaft directly drives both the actuating mechanism and the oil pump, eliminating the need for separate motors and reducing component count while maintaining functional reliability through the unified drive train.
Solution Approach 2:
The electric motor is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as the primary actuator driver and simultaneously serves as the oil pump driver. This multi-functionality approach allows a single component to fulfill multiple roles, reducing overall system complexity while ensuring both actuating and lubrication functions are reliably performed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate electric motors are used for actuating and oil pumping, then each function is independently controlled, but the investment cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the actuating and oil pumping systems into a single integrated unit where one electric motor controls both functions. This consolidation reduces investment costs by eliminating redundant components while maintaining adaptability through electronic control strategies that can independently manage each function's operation timing and parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The single electric motor is designed with multi-functionality to control both actuating and oil pumping operations. The motor's output is mechanically coupled to both the actuating mechanism and the oil pump, allowing one motor to perform multiple functions while reducing overall system cost through component consolidation.
3Volume of moving object
If a compact design is implemented, then the space is reduced, but the integration of multiple functions becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested arrangement where the oil pump is positioned within or adjacent to the actuator housing, and the drive train components are arranged in a compact, space-efficient configuration. The electric motor's output shaft directly connects to both the actuating mechanism and the oil pump, creating a tightly integrated compact design that reduces overall system volume while managing integration complexity through careful spatial arrangement.
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator system for a vehicle transmission includes an actuating unit and an electric motor drivingly connected to the actuating unit. The actuating unit is configured for displacement 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. A clutch unit between the actuating unit and the electric motor is 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 disengagement modes. The clutch unit disconnects the actuating unit from the electric motor in the engagement mode. The system further includes an oil pump unit driven by the electric motor at least in the engagement mode.