Transmission Actuator Module With Integrated Shift Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing transmission actuator mechanisms are complex and labor-intensive to assemble and maintain due to their multi-part design, which increases the effort required for both assembly and maintenance.

Innovation Solution

An actuator module with a transmission mechanism that includes a rotatable transmission element with coupling points for converting actuating movements into switching movements, featuring a length compensation mechanism with elastic prestress and integrated detection and control means, allowing for a more compact and modular design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a multi-part design with separate sensing devices and transmission elements is used, then the transmission mechanism can perform its function, but the assembly and maintenance effort significantly increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission mechanism complexityVSAvoidassembly and maintenance effort
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate components (actuator, sensing devices, transmission elements) into an integrated actuator module. The sensing devices are integrated directly into the transmission mechanism, and the entire assembly is housed in a single housing, reducing the number of separate parts that need to be assembled and maintained.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The transmission mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it converts actuating movement into switching movement, provides sensing capabilities through integrated sensors, and houses all components in a single modular unit. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components.

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

2Manufacturing precision

If a rotatable transmission element with length compensation mechanism is used, then precise switching movement can be achieved, but the device requires more space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching position precisionVSAvoidactuator module volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent nests the length compensation mechanism within the transmission element structure. The elastic element is integrated into the transmission element itself, and the entire transmission mechanism is housed within the actuator module housing, creating a compact nested arrangement that minimizes space requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The rotatable transmission element converts linear actuating movement into rotational movement, and then into linear switching movement, effectively using dimensional transformation to achieve precise control while maintaining compact dimensions. The length compensation occurs through elastic deformation in three dimensions rather than requiring additional linear space.

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

3Ease of manufacture

If integration of detection and control means within housing is implemented, then assembly effort is reduced, but the housing design becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly effortVSAvoidhousing design complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detection means (sensing devices) and control means are integrated directly into the housing structure, eliminating the need for separate mounting brackets, fasteners, and alignment procedures. This merging of functions into the housing reduces assembly steps and the number of components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 actuator module simplifies assembly and maintenance by integrating detection and control elements within a housing or carrier plate, reducing the complexity and space requirements while maintaining precise control over switching movements.

Implementation Method 1

The transmission mechanism has a length compensation mechanism which has an elastic prestress between the coupling points

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic prestress: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4065866B1Actuator module
Publication Date: 2024.04.03 KNORR BREMSE SYSTEME FUER NUTZFAHIZEUGE GMBH
  • EP4065866B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4065866B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

An actuator module (AM) for a transmission with at least two transmission stages is disclosed, having: a gear actuator (1) which is configured to carry out an actuating movement (1a) parallel to an actuating direction (1b); - a detection means (9); and - a transmission mechanism (8) which is configured to convert the actuating movement (1a) into a shifting movement (5a) which brings about a setting of a shifting position in the transmission, wherein the transmission mechanism (8) has a first coupling point (8a), via which it is connected to the gear actuator (1) and can receive the actuating movement (1a) thereof, wherein the transmission mechanism (8) has a second coupling point (8b), via which it can be connected to a shifting element (5) of a transmission, in order to impart the shifting movement (5a) to the shifting element (5), wherein the transmission mechanism (8) has a transmission element (8c) which is configured to convert the actuating movement (1a) into the shifting movement (5a), and wherein the detection means (9) is configured to detect the actuating movement (1a) and/or the shifting movement (5a) and/or a movement of the transmission element (8). Furthermore, a transmission, a drive train and a vehicle are disclosed.