Twin Clutch Transmission Mechanical Clutch Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional twin clutch type transmissions for diesel railcars face inefficiencies due to the use of wet type multiple disc clutches, which result in idling loss and complex synchronization control, making it difficult to improve transmission efficiency, especially with increased gear numbers and high power transmission requirements.

Innovation Solution

A twin clutch type transmission with a compact and simple structure, utilizing odd-numbered and even-numbered gear-side mechanisms with mechanical clutches and synchronization gear trains to achieve constant inter-gear ratios and shared gear usage, reducing idling loss and simplifying synchronization control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If wet type multiple disc clutches are used for switching between shift gears, then the transmission can handle high power and torque, but the clutches remain at idle causing significant idling loss

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveidling lossVSAvoidpower transmission capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs mechanical clutches that can dynamically engage and disengage based on operational needs. The clutches are designed to be completely disengaged when not in use, eliminating idle losses while maintaining the capability to transmit high power and torque when engaged. This dynamic switching between engaged and disengaged states resolves the contradiction between energy loss and power transmission reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Loss of energy

If mechanical clutches are used instead of wet type multiple disc clutches, then transmission efficiency is improved, but the synchronization control system becomes undesirably complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission efficiencyVSAvoidsynchronization control system
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the transmission system into separate odd-numbered and even-numbered gear-side shifting mechanisms. Each mechanism has its own independent mechanical clutches and synchronization control system. This segmentation allows each clutch to control a specific gear range, simplifying the overall control logic while maintaining high transmission efficiency through mechanical engagement rather than fluid coupling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2243983B1Twin clutch type transmission for diesel railcar
Publication Date: 2012.08.01 HITACHI NICO TRANSMISSION
  • EP2243983B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2243983B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2243983B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A twin clutch type transmission for a diesel railcar includes an input shaft (10), an odd-numbered gear-side shifting mechanism (30), an even-numbered gear-side shifting mechanism (60), and an output mechanism (90). Each transmission mechanism (30,60) includes a transmission gear train (32,62), a main clutch (34,64) for selectively transmitting the power of the transmission gear train (32,62) to a transmission shaft (40,70), a synchronization gear train (36,66), and a synchronization clutch (38,68) for selectively transmitting the power of the synchronization gear train (36,66) to the transmission shaft (40,70). Each transmission mechanism (30,60) further includes: shifting gear trains (41,43,45,47 and 72,74,76,78) that are provided for the transmission shaft (40,70) and transmit the rotation thereof to the output mechanism (90); and mechanical clutches (50,52 and 80,82) for selectively connecting one of the transmission gear trains (41,43,45,47 and 72,74,76,78) to the transmission shaft (40,70).