DESC:TRANSMISSION SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
The present application claims priority from Indian Provisional Patent Application No. 202421020623 filed on 19/03/2024, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by a reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure generally relates to a vehicle. Particularly, the present disclosure relates to a transmission system of a vehicle.
BACKGROUND
Recently, the increasing adoption of vehicles is driven by their versatility and fuel efficiency, making them suitable for both urban and rugged terrains. Also, the current vehicle designs are ideal for navigating crowded city streets, while the durability meets the demands of rural and off-road environments. Furthermore, the rising affordability and expanding markets boost the popularity of the ICE vehicles, electric vehicles and the hybrid electric vehicles across diverse user groups.
Recently, in geared vehicle, the automatic gear shift mechanism is a sophisticated system designed to seamlessly manage the gear change without requiring manual intervention from the driver. The automatic gear shift utilizes a combination of sensors, actuators, and electronic control units to monitor various parameters such as a motor speed, vehicle speed and load conditions. Based on this input, the system automatically selects the optimal gear ratio for the prevailing driving conditions, ensuring smooth acceleration, efficient power consumption, and optimal drivetrain performance. Moreover, the modern automatic transmissions typically employs a hydraulic or electronic controls to engage clutch packs or bands, facilitating gear changes without interrupting power delivery to the wheels. This automated process enhances driving comfort and convenience, particularly in heavy traffic or challenging road conditions, allowing drivers to focus more on the road ahead.
Generally, a stepper motor is used in automatic gear-shifting mechanisms which provides a precise control over gear selection by converting electrical signals into accurate mechanical movements. The stepper motor ensures smooth and reliable shifts by positioning gear selectors or actuators with high precision. The steeper motor is vital for automation, offering enhanced efficiency and reduced human intervention in modern transmission systems. However, the current placement of the stepper motor makes the gear shifting mechanism bulkier and bigger in size. Furthermore, the positioning of the stepper motor near the transmission housing or selector shaft often requires additional mounting structures, protective casings, and cooling arrangements, leading to increased system size and weight. This bulkiness can be particularly problematic in compact vehicle designs, where space optimization is critical. Additionally, the proximity to high-temperature and high-vibration areas in the drivetrain increases the demand for robust components, further adding to the system's size and complexity.
Therefore, there exists a need for a transmission system to overcome one or more problems associated as set forth above.
SUMMARY
An object of the present disclosure is to provide a transmission system for a vehicle.
In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a transmission system for a vehicle. The transmission system comprises a drum cam configured to transform rotary motion into linear motion and a stepper motor. The stepper motor is embedded inside the drum cam and configured to rotate the drum cam to shift gears in the vehicle.
The present disclosure provides a transmission system for the vehicle. The transmission system as disclosed in present disclosure is advantageous in terms of providing an enhanced precision, efficiency, and the compact gear shifting mechanism. Beneficially, the transmission system eliminates the need for external linkages or complex actuation mechanisms which helps to reduce the mechanical losses and improving response time. Furthermore, the transmission system provides a precise control over rotational motion of a shifting drum, allowing for accurate and consistent gear shifts. Additionally, the integrated design of the transmission system enhances the packaging efficiency, optimizing space utilization within the transmission assembly. Furthermore, the transmission system configuration also minimizes the wear and tear by reducing frictional interfaces which significantly helps to improve the durability and lower maintenance requirements of the system.
Additional aspects, advantages, features and objects of the present disclosure would be made apparent from the drawings and the detailed description of the illustrative embodiments constructed in conjunction with the appended claims that follow.
It will be appreciated that features of the present disclosure are susceptible to being combined in various combinations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, exemplary constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed herein. Moreover, those in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale. Wherever possible, like elements have been indicated by identical numbers.
Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following diagrams wherein:
FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded view of a transmission system of a vehicle, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.
FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-section view of a transmission system of a vehicle, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure.
In the accompanying drawings, an underlined number is employed to represent an item over which the underlined number is positioned or an item to which the underlined number is adjacent. A non-underlined number relates to an item identified by a line linking the non-underlined number to the item. When a number is non-underlined and accompanied by an associated arrow, the non-underlined number is used to identify a general item at which the arrow is pointing.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The following detailed description illustrates embodiments of the present disclosure and ways in which they can be implemented. Although some modes of carrying out the present disclosure have been disclosed, those skilled in the art would recognise that other embodiments for carrying out or practising the present disclosure are also possible.
The description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of certain embodiments of a vehicle diagnostic system configured to perform remote diagnostic of a vehicle and is not intended to represent the only forms that may be developed or utilised. The description sets forth the various structures and/or functions in connection with the illustrated embodiments; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the disclosure that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; some features may be exaggerated or minimised to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.
While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure.
The terms “comprise”, “comprises”, “comprising”, “include(s)”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, system that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or system. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus preceded by “comprises... a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.
In the following detailed description of the embodiments of the disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings and which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.
The present disclosure will be described herein below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, well known functions or constructions are not described in detail since they would obscure the description with unnecessary detail.
As used herein, the terms “vehicle” refers to any mode of transport designed for movement on land, water, or air, including but not limited to automobiles, motorcycles, trucks, buses, off-road vehicles, electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, and other motorized or non-motorized medium of transport of goods or humans. The term encompasses the vehicles powered by internal combustion engines, electric motors, fuel cells, or any combination thereof, and includes autonomous or manually operated vehicles configured to employ a transmission system for torque transmission and speed variation.
As used herein, the term “transmission system” and “system” are used interchangeably and refer to a mechanical assembly configured to transfer power from a vehicle’s power source to its drivetrain, enabling controlled variation of torque and speed. The system typically includes components such as gears, shafts, clutches, and actuators, which facilitate the conversion and transmission of rotational motion to drive the wheels efficiently. The transmission system may be manually, automatically, or electronically controlled, optimizing performance, fuel efficiency, and drivability based on operating conditions.
As used herein, the terms “drum cam” refers to a cylindrical mechanical component configured to convert rotary motion into linear or oscillatory motion through a predefined cam profile. The drum cam includes an outer surface with specifically designed grooves, tracks, or lobes that interact with a follower mechanism, guiding its movement in a controlled manner. In a transmission system, the drum cam is typically used to actuate gear-shifting mechanisms by translating rotational input into precise axial displacement of shift elements.
As used herein, the term “stepper motor” refers to an electromechanical device that converts electrical pulses into precise incremental rotational motion. The stepper motor comprises a rotor, at least one stator with electromagnetic coils, and a control system that sequentially energizes the coils to generate magnetic fields, causing the rotor to rotate in discrete steps. In a transmission system, a stepper motor may be integrated to facilitate controlled gear shifting by actuating mechanical components in predefined increments.
As used herein, the term “plurality of profiles” refers to multiple distinct surface features, such as grooves, tracks, lobes, or cam contours, formed on or integrated into the drum cam. Each profile is specifically designed to interact with a follower or shift mechanism, facilitating controlled movement corresponding to different gear positions in the transmission system.
As used herein, the term “shifter fork” refers to a mechanical component in a transmission system configured to engage and move a gear or synchronizer along a predefined path to facilitate gear shifting. The shifter fork typically includes an arm-like structure with prongs or slots that interact with a corresponding shift element, such as a gear sleeve or synchronizer ring. The shifter fork is operatively coupled to an actuator, such as a cam mechanism or shift drum, which directs the movement to engage or disengage gears in response to input from the vehicle’s transmission control system.
As used herein, the term “at least one rotor core” and “rotor core” are used interchangeably and refer to a structural component of a rotary electric machine, configured to support and interact with magnetic elements to facilitate rotational motion. The rotor core typically comprises a laminated or solid ferromagnetic material designed to enhance magnetic flux distribution and minimize eddy current losses. In a stepper motor, the rotor core is mounted on a central shaft and is coupled with one or more magnets to generate rotor magnetic flux, which interacts with the electromagnetic flux of stator coils to produce controlled rotational movement.
As used herein, the term “at least one magnet” and “magnet” are used interchangeably and refer to a magnetic component or a plurality of magnetic components configured to generate a magnetic field for interaction with other system elements. The magnet may be a permanent magnet or an electromagnet and can be composed of ferromagnetic or rare-earth materials, such as neodymium, samarium-cobalt, or ferrite. The placement, orientation, and magnetic properties of the magnet are designed to facilitate a specific function within the system, such as inducing motion, generating flux, or interacting with electromagnetic coils in an electric motor or actuation mechanism.
As used herein, the term “wound core” refers to a magnetic core formed by winding a conductive wire, typically an insulated copper or aluminum coil, around a core structure to generate an electromagnetic field when energized. In an electromechanical system, such as a stepper motor, the wound core is configured to produce controlled electromagnetic flux that interacts with other magnetic components, facilitating rotational or linear motion.
As used herein, the term “shaft” refers to an elongated, typically cylindrical mechanical component configured to transmit torque and rotational motion between mechanical elements. The shaft may be rotatable or fixed and can serve as a structural support for various rotating or translating components. In a transmission system, the shaft may support gears, bearings, or actuation mechanisms, facilitating controlled movement and load distribution.
As used herein, the term “plurality of electromagnetic coils” and “electromagnetic coils” are used interchangeably and refer to two or more electrically conductive wire windings arranged in a specific configuration to generate electromagnetic fields when energized. The plurality of electromagnetic coils are strategically positioned within a system to produce controlled magnetic flux, enabling interactions with other magnetic components, such as rotor magnets or cores, to facilitate motion or force transmission.
As used herein, the term “at least one bearing” and “bearing” are used interchangeably and refer to a mechanical component or assembly configured to support and facilitate the rotational or linear movement of a rotating or sliding element while minimizing friction. The bearing may include, but is not limited to, ball bearings, roller bearings, plain bearings, or any other type of bearing mechanism suitable for the intended application. In the transmission system, the at least one bearing is configured to provide rotational support to the drum cam relative to a fixed shaft, ensuring smooth and efficient motion while reducing wear and mechanical losses.
As used herein, the term “end cap” refers to a structural component configured to enclose, secure, or support internal elements within an assembly. In the transmission system, the end cap is designed to retain and protect internal components, such as the stepper motor, within the drum cam, ensuring proper alignment and operational stability. The end cap may be fastened through mechanical means, such as screws, press-fit engagement, or other securing mechanisms, to provide structural integrity and prevent unintended displacement of internal components during operation.
Figure 1, in accordance with an embodiment describes a transmission system 100 for a vehicle. The system 100 comprises a drum cam 102 configured to transform rotary motion into linear motion and a stepper motor 104. The stepper motor 104 is embedded inside the drum cam 102 and configured to rotate the drum cam 102 to shift gears in the vehicle.
The present disclosure provides the transmission system 100 for the vehicle. The transmission system 100 as disclosed in present disclosure is advantageous in terms of providing an enhanced precision, efficiency, and the compactness in gear shifting mechanisms of the vehicle. Furthermore, the embedding of the stepper motor 104 within the drum cam 102 is advantageously eliminates the need for external actuation mechanisms. Moreover, the embedded arrangement of the stepper motor 104 in the drum cam 102 provides the more streamlined and space-efficient design for the transmission system 100. Beneficially, by utilizing a fixed shaft configuration with a wound core 112 and a plurality of electromagnetic coils 116, the system 100 ensures the precise and controlled rotational movement of the drum cam 102, thereby allows for the accurate gear selection. Furthermore, the interaction of the at least one rotor core 108 and the at least one magnet 110 with the plurality of electromagnetic coils 116 enhances the torque control, thereby ensuring the smooth and responsive gear shifts without the mechanical backlash typically associated with conventional shift mechanisms. Additionally, the use of the plurality of profiles 106 within the drum cam 102 facilitates the reliable and repeatable movement of the shifter fork, thereby ensuring the consistent gear engagement. Furthermore, the incorporation of at least one bearing 118 beneficially minimizes the friction and wear, thereby enhancing the durability and reducing maintenance requirements of the system 100. Furthermore, the end cap 120 secures the stepper motor 104 within the drum cam 102, contributing to the robustness and structural integrity of the system 100. Beneficially, the ability of the stepper motor 104 to hold the drum cam 102 in fixed positions enables the precise multi-position control, thereby improving the shifting accuracy and eliminating the reliance on mechanical detents.
In an embodiment, the drum cam 102 comprises a plurality of profiles 106, wherein each profile corresponds to a respective gear in the transmission system 100. The plurality of profiles 106 are precisely designed grooves or cam tracks on the surface of the drum cam 102, which guide the movement of the shift mechanism.
In an embodiment, the plurality of profiles 106 of the drum cam 102 are connected to a shifter fork, wherein the movement of the shifter fork in the plurality of profiles 106 of the drum cam 102 results in shifting of the gears in the vehicle. The plurality of profiles 106 are operably connected to the shifter fork and engages with the plurality of profiles 106 to facilitate the gear-shifting process. As the drum cam 102 rotates, the shifter fork moves along the selected profile, thereby enabling the selective engagement and disengagement of the gears in the vehicle. Beneficially, the gear shifting process of the system 100 ensures the precise and controlled gear transitions, leveraging the rotational motion of the drum cam 102 to achieve linear displacement of the shifter fork, which in turn actuates the gear shift mechanism.
In an embodiment, the stepper motor 104 comprises at least one rotor core 108, at least one magnet 110, a wound core 112, and a shaft 114. Furthermore, the shaft 114 of the stepper motor 104 is a fixed shaft. Furthermore, the wound core 112 is mounted on the fixed shaft of the stepper motor 104. Furthermore, the wound core 112 comprises a plurality of electromagnetic coils 116 configured to generate electromagnetic flux, when energized. Furthermore, the at least one rotor core 108 and the at least one magnet 110 generates rotor magnetic flux which interacts with the electromagnetic flux generated by the plurality of electromagnetic coils 116 to rotate the drum cam 102. Furthermore, the at least one rotor core 108 is fixed with the drum cam 102 to rotate the drum cam 102. The shaft 114 serves as the central support structure, while the wound core 112 may be configured with the plurality of electromagnetic coils 116 that generate an electromagnetic flux when the electromagnetic coils are energized. The at least one rotor core 108 and the at least one magnet 110 generate a rotor magnetic flux, which interacts with the electromagnetic flux produced by the wound core 112, thereby inducing the rotational movement of the rotor core 108. The rotational movement of the rotor core 108 drives the drum cam 102, facilitating the gear shifting within the transmission system 100.
In an embodiment, the at least one rotor core 108 rotates the drum cam 102 in a plurality of fixed positions corresponding to the respective gear in the transmission system 100. The rotor core 108, in conjunction with the at least one magnet 110, interacts with the electromagnetic flux generated by the plurality of electromagnetic coils 116 of the wound core 112 when energized. The interaction between the at least one magnet 110 and the plurality of electromagnetic coils 116 induces the controlled rotational movement of the drum cam 102. The drum cam 102 may be configured to rotate into the plurality of fixed positions and each fixed position corresponds to a specific gear in the transmission system 100. Beneficially, the precise positioning of the drum cam 102 ensures the accurate engagement of the respective gear, enabling efficient and reliable gear shifting. Furthermore, by utilizing the stepper motor 104 embedded within the drum cam 102, the system achieves high positional accuracy, eliminating mechanical backlash and enhancing the overall performance of the transmission system 100.
In an embodiment, the transmission system 100 comprises at least one bearing 118, wherein the drum cam 102 is mounted on the fixed shaft via the at least one bearing 118. The at least one bearing 118 facilitates smooth rotational movement of the drum cam 102 while ensuring minimal friction and wear, thereby enhancing the durability and operational efficiency of the transmission system 100. The fixed shaft serves as a stable support structure, preventing axial displacement of the drum cam 102 while allowing precise rotational movement. Furthermore, the at least one bearing 118 in the transmission system 100 contributes to improved gear-shifting accuracy by maintaining consistent alignment of the drum cam 102 with the associated shifter fork. Additionally, the integration of the at least one 118 bearing reduces mechanical losses, thereby optimizing energy efficiency and extending the service life of the transmission system 100.
In an embodiment, the transmission system 100 comprises an end cap 120 configured to secure the stepper motor 104 inside the drum cam 102. The end cap 120 may be positioned at one end of the drum cam 102 and serves as a structural enclosure, ensuring the stepper motor 104 remains securely housed within the drum cam 102 during operation. The end cap 120 may be fastened using mechanical fastening elements such as screws, bolts, or snap-fit mechanisms, or the end cap 120 may be integrally formed as the part of the drum cam 102 to enhance structural integrity. Additionally, the end cap 120 may include features such as sealing elements, damping structures, or ventilation ports to provide protection against environmental factors, reduce vibrations, and facilitate heat dissipation.
Figure 2 describes, the transmission system 100 for the vehicle. The system 100 comprises the drum cam 102 configured to transform rotary motion into linear motion and the stepper motor 104. The stepper motor 104 is embedded inside the drum cam 102 and configured to rotate the drum cam 102 to shift gears in the vehicle. Furthermore, the drum cam 102 comprises the plurality of profiles 106, wherein each profile corresponds to the respective gear in the transmission system 100. Furthermore, the plurality of profiles 106 of the drum cam 102 are connected to the shifter fork, wherein the movement of the shifter fork in the plurality of profiles 106 of the drum cam 102 results in shifting of gears in the vehicle. Furthermore, the stepper motor 104 comprises the at least one rotor core 108, the at least one magnet 110, the wound core 112, and the shaft 114. Furthermore, the shaft 114 of the stepper motor 104 is the fixed shaft. Furthermore, the wound core 112 is mounted on the fixed shaft of the stepper motor 104. Furthermore, the wound core 112 comprises the plurality of electromagnetic coils 116 configured to generate electromagnetic flux, when energized. Furthermore, the at least one rotor core 108 and the at least one magnet 110 generates rotor magnetic flux which interacts with the electromagnetic flux generated by the plurality of electromagnetic coils 116 to rotate the drum cam 102. Furthermore, the at least one rotor core 108 is fixed with the drum cam 102 to rotate the drum cam 102. Furthermore, the shaft 114 serves as the central support structure, while the wound core 112 may be configured with a plurality of electromagnetic coils that generate the electromagnetic flux when the electromagnetic coils are energized. Furthermore, the at least one rotor core 108 rotates the drum cam 102 in the plurality of fixed positions corresponding to the respective gear in the transmission system 100. Furthermore, the transmission system 100 comprises the at least one bearing 118, wherein the drum cam 102 is mounted on the fixed shaft via the at least one bearing 118. Furthermore, the transmission system 100 comprises the end cap 120 configured to secure the stepper motor 104 inside the drum cam 102.
In the description of the present invention, it is also to be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified or limited, the terms “disposed,” “mounted,” and “connected” are to be construed broadly, and may for example be fixedly connected, detachably connected, or integrally connected, either mechanically or electrically. They may be connected directly or indirectly through intervening media, or they may be interconnected between two elements. The specific meaning of the above terms in the present invention can be understood in specific cases to those skilled in the art.
Modifications to embodiments and combination of different embodiments of the present disclosure described in the foregoing are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the accompanying claims. Expressions such as “including”, “comprising”, “incorporating”, “have”, “is” used to describe and claim the present disclosure are intended to be construed in a non- exclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components or elements not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural where appropriate.
Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the spirit and scope of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various variations and modifications are possible in the component parts and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the present disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.
,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM:
1. A transmission system (100) for a vehicle, wherein the system (100) comprises:
- a drum cam (102) configured to transform rotary motion into linear motion; and
- a stepper motor (104),
wherein the stepper motor (104) is embedded inside the drum cam (102) and configured to rotate the drum cam (102) to shift gears in the vehicle.
2. The transmission system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the drum cam (102) comprises a plurality of profiles (106), wherein each profile corresponds to a respective gear in the transmission system (100).
3. The transmission system (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the plurality of profiles (106) of the drum cam (102) are connected to a shifter fork, wherein the movement of the shifter fork in the plurality of profiles (106) of the drum cam (102) results in shifting of gears in the vehicle.
4. The transmission system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the stepper motor (104) comprises at least one rotor core (108), at least one magnet (110), a wound core (112), and a shaft (114).
5. The transmission system (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the shaft (114) of the stepper motor (104) is a fixed shaft.
6. The transmission system (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the wound core (112) is mounted on the fixed shaft of the stepper motor (104).
7. The transmission system (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the wound core (112) comprises a plurality of electromagnetic coils (116) configured to generate electromagnetic flux, when energized.
8. The transmission system (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the at least one rotor core (108) and the at least one magnet (110) generates rotor magnetic flux which interacts with the electromagnetic flux generated by the plurality of electromagnetic coils (116) to rotate the drum cam (102).
9. The transmission system (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the at least one rotor core (108) is fixed with the drum cam (102) to rotate the drum cam (102).
10. The transmission system (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the at least one rotor core (108) rotates the drum cam (102) in a plurality of fixed positions corresponding to the respective gear in the transmission system (100).
11. The transmission system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the transmission system (100) comprises at least one bearing (118), wherein the drum cam (102) is mounted on the fixed shaft via the at least one bearing (118).
12. The transmission system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the transmission system (100) comprises an end cap (120) configured to secure the stepper motor (104) inside the drum cam (102).