Two-Shaft Transmission Layout for Compact 6-Forward Shifting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional 6-speed transmissions have a complex structure, leading to increased length and noise, making them difficult to install in compact engine compartments, and require multiple idling gears, which complicates the design and operation.

Innovation Solution

A power transmission device with a simple structure that allows shifting between 4 forward and 1 reverse speed and 6 forward and 1 reverse speed by using a separate reverse clutch and strategically placed one-way bearings, eliminating the need for separate idling gears and reducing overall length, thereby improving space utilization and reducing noise and vibration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional 6-speed transmission is used, then the transmission can provide 6 forward speeds, but the structure becomes complicated and the length increases excessively

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of forward speedsVSAvoidtransmission structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transmission is divided into two independent shaft systems: a first shaft system handling reverse gear and a second shaft system handling forward gears. This segmentation allows each shaft to be optimized independently, reducing overall complexity while maintaining 6 forward speeds capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first shaft is designed to serve dual purposes: transmitting power for reverse motion and potentially for forward motion in certain configurations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, simplifying the overall structure

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional 6-speed transmission is used, then the transmission can provide 6 forward speeds, but the overall length increases excessively

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of forward speedsVSAvoidtransmission length
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The transmission layout transitions from a conventional single-line arrangement to a two-dimensional configuration with two parallel shafts. This dimensional change allows power transmission paths to be arranged spatially, reducing the longitudinal length while maintaining all necessary gear ratios

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

3Productivity

If all drive gears are directly connected to the input shaft, then the transmission can operate, but noise increases due to rotation of engaged gears

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower transmission efficiencyVSAvoidgear engagement noise
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The drive gears are segmented into two groups: those on the first shaft and those on the second shaft. This segmentation allows idle gears to remain stationary while only the necessary gears rotate, significantly reducing noise from gear engagement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The one-way bearing mechanism automatically engages and disengages gears based on rotation direction without external control. During forward motion, the one-way bearing locks the first shaft's drive gear to rotate with the input shaft, while during reverse motion, it allows the first shaft to rotate independently, eliminating unnecessary gear rotation noise

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Productivity

If a conventional transmission layout is used, then power transmission is achieved, but the longitudinal volume is large

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower transmission capabilityVSAvoidtransmission volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The transmission components are arranged in a two-dimensional plane with two parallel shafts instead of a single longitudinal line. This spatial redistribution reduces the longitudinal footprint while maintaining all necessary power transmission paths, decreasing overall transmission volume

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

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 solution enables quick and smooth shifting, minimizes noise and shock during gear changes, and optimizes space in engine compartments, enhancing the operational efficiency and installation feasibility of the transmission system.

Implementation Method 1

a first shift low gear is connected to and installed at a first shift input shaft so as to be constrained by a first shift one-way bearing in one direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOne-way bearing constraint: Ratchet

Data Source

PatentUS11821499B2Power transmission device
Publication Date: 2023.11.21 HJ TRANSMISSION CO LTD
  • US11821499B2 patent drawing
  • US11821499B2 patent drawing
  • US11821499B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A power transmission device is provided to provide a 6 forward and 1 reverse transmission capable of smoothly performing 6 forward and 1 reverse or 4 forward and 1 reverse shifting. The power transmission device includes: a first shift input unit in which a reverse clutch and a first shift high clutch are provided at both ends and a first shift low gear is installed to be constrained by a first shift one-way gearing in one direction so that a driving force from a power input unit is transmitted thereto; a firs shift output unit to which a driving force from the first shift input unit is transmitted; a reverse input gear unit to which a reverse driving force from the first shift input unit is transmitted; a second shift input unit in which a second shift middle clutch is provided at one side end and a second shift low gear is installed to be constrained by a second shift one-way bearing in one direction so that a driving force from the first shift output unit is transmitted thereto; a forward idle gear unit connected to and installed at the first shift output unit and the second shift input unit to transmit a driving force from the first shift output unit to the second shift input unit; and a second shift output unit installed so that a reverse driving force by the reverse input gear unit and a forward driving force by the second shift input unit are transmitted thereto.