Transmission System Seamless Gear Shifting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle transmission systems are costly and require interruption of torque transfer to switch between gear stages, limiting their efficiency and practicality.

Innovation Solution

A transmission system with a clutch module and a transmission module that uses a main gear stage and sub-transmissions with clutches to achieve multiple gear ratios without interrupting torque transfer, featuring an intermediate clutch and gear stage for seamless gear shifting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a known transmission system with multiple sub-transmissions is used, then multiple gear ratios can be achieved, but the system becomes more complex and costly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of gear ratiosVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines a clutch module with a transmission module into an integrated system. The clutch module merges first and second clutch means with gear stage means, while the transmission module merges first and second sub-transmissions with shared clutches. This merging reduces overall system complexity and cost while maintaining the capability to achieve multiple gear ratios through coordinated operation of the integrated components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The transmission system implements multi-functionality through shared clutches that serve multiple purposes. The first and second transmission clutches can engage different gear stages in both sub-transmissions, allowing a single clutch mechanism to control multiple gear ratio selections. This universal approach reduces the number of dedicated components needed while maintaining versatility in gear ratio selection.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If gear stage switching is implemented in known transmission systems, then different gear ratios are achievable, but torque transfer must be interrupted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegear stage switching capabilityVSAvoidcontinuous torque transfer
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs preliminary action through the clutch module's gear stage means that can pre-select and pre-engage the desired gear stage before the actual switching event. The first and second clutch means can be engaged or disengaged in a predetermined sequence to prepare the transmission path, allowing smooth transitions between gear stages without interrupting torque flow to the output shaft.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The transmission system uses an intermediary mechanism in the form of the clutch module that mediates between the input shaft and the sub-transmissions. This intermediary clutch module with its gear stage means acts as a buffer that can temporarily hold or redirect torque while gear stages are being switched, preventing interruption of the overall torque transfer chain from input to output shaft.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If more gear stages are added to achieve more gear ratios, then versatility increases, but system cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of gear ratiosVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the transmission system into a clutch module and a transmission module, with further segmentation into first and second sub-transmissions. Each segment contains fewer gear stages that work in combination to achieve the total number of gear ratios. This segmentation allows each module to be manufactured more simply and cost-effectively while the integrated system provides the desired versatility through coordinated operation of the segments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2652358B1Transmission system, as well as method for changing a transmission ratio
Publication Date: 2020.04.15 DTI GRP BV
  • EP2652358B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2652358B1 patent drawingFigure 3~8
  • EP2652358B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A transmission system for a vehicle, comprising an input shaft which can be connected to a drive source, and an output shaft which can be connected to a load comprises: - a clutch module which has an input that is connected to the input shaft and a first and a second output, as well as first clutch means which are located between the input and the first output and second clutch means which are located between the input and the second output, and gear stage means which are located between the input and the first or second output, as well as - a transmission module which has a first and a second input and an output that is connected to the output shaft, as well as a first sub-transmission which is located between the first input and the output, and a second sub-transmission which is located between the second input and the output, - where the first output of the clutch module is connected to a first input of the transmission module and the second input of the clutch module is connected to the second input of the transmission module, and - where the first and second sub-transmissions each comprise an input shaft and an output shaft which are connected to the inputs and output of the transmission module and each comprise at least one gear stage which gear stages are located between the input and output shafts.