Multistage Transmission Inductive Actuation for Low Power Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Motor vehicle transmissions experience significant power loss due to the need for transfer points, which require pressure-resistant sealing and complicate energy transfer, especially when the switchgear unit is inboard and energy must be supplied through rotatable transmission components.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an inductive connector unit with a primary coil connected to the open-loop and/or closed-loop control unit and a secondary coil connected to the actuator, along with a mechanically self-locking actuator and gear shafts made of materials with low magnetic permeability, allows for efficient energy transfer and reduced power loss by eliminating the need for transfer points and maintaining the switchgear position mechanically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If transfer points with pressure-resistant sealing are used for energy supply, then the switchgear unit can be connected to the control unit, but power loss increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based transfer point system with an inductive coupling system using magnetic fields. The primary coil in the control unit and secondary coil in the actuator enable wireless energy and signal transmission through magnetic induction, eliminating the need for physical transfer points with pressure-resistant sealing. This substitution of mechanical contact with electromagnetic field-based transmission resolves the contradiction by removing the source of power loss while maintaining reliable connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary medium between the control unit and actuator. The primary coil generates a magnetic field that couples with the secondary coil to transfer energy and control signals without direct mechanical contact. This intermediary magnetic field enables reliable energy supply while avoiding the power losses associated with traditional mechanical transfer points.
2Use of energy by moving object
If transfer points are used for energy transfer through rotatable transmission components, then the switchgear unit can be supplied with energy, but the operating system becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical transfer point system with an inductive coupling system. The primary and secondary coils enable energy transmission through magnetic fields without requiring mechanical contact or complex sealing arrangements in rotatable components. This substitution simplifies the operating system by eliminating the need for transfer points while maintaining energy supply capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the transfer point component from the system entirely. By using inductive coupling, the system eliminates the need for physical energy transfer interfaces, thereby removing the associated complexity from the operating system while preserving the essential energy supply function.
3Loss of energy
If inductive connector unit with primary and secondary coils is used, then energy transfer efficiency improves, but the actuator requires mechanical self-locking mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a mechanically self-locking actuator that maintains the switchgear position without requiring continuous energy input. The planetary gear train with Wolfrom principle and double hollow wheels creates a self-locking mechanism that holds the position passively once actuated. This self-service characteristic compensates for the added mechanical complexity by eliminating the need for continuous power consumption to maintain position, thereby improving overall energy efficiency of the system.
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
This solution reduces power loss in the motor vehicle transmission to levels comparable to manual transmissions, simplifies the operating system, and enables compact design with bidirectional control signal transmission, minimizing energy intake in open or closed positions.
Implementation Method 1
an inductive connector unit which connects the open-loop and/or closed-loop control unit to the actuator and which is at least provided for supplying the actuator with electric energy
Implementation Method 2
the actuator comprises a planetary gear train according to the Wolfrom principle, wherein the planetary gear train has a sun gear, a planetary gear support, planetary gears arranged in pairs on the planetary gear support, as well as two hollow wheels
Data Source
AI summary
A motor vehicle transmission, particularly a multistage transmission, includes at least one switchgear unit which includes two coupling elements. An actuator actuates the switchgear unit and an open-loop and/or closed-loop control unit controls the actuator. An inductive connector unit connects the open-loop and/or closed-loop control unit to the actuator and supplies the actuator with electric energy.