Electromagnetic direct drives for positive mechanical engagement in the automotive drivetrain

Electromobility is currently displacing conventional central multi-speed shift actuators from the drivetrain with solutions for distributed dog clutches for two or three shaft outputs. Suitable solutions can be found in direct electromagnetic actuation. The small installation space, the high integration density required and the high expectations in terms of performance and reliability quickly direct the focus towards efficient utilization of the sensor-actuator dualism. A simple mechanical design combined with suitable control technology approaches lead to a Smart Actuator. The mechanically robust concept of a dog clutch is particularly suitable for this. The challenge in actuator design lies in a sophisticated exploitation of mechanical and sensor properties. The latter includes both safety-relevant aspects such as end-position detection, as well as the desire for comfort and therefore issues such as reaching the end-position silently (soft landing), synchronizing residual difference speeds and avoiding contact on the end faces of the claws (sailing) when engaging the form-fit.