General Dynamics Modulator

Abstract

The present invention relates to a universal power modulator, comprising: a variable force multiplier, comprising: a sun gear (1) connected to an input end of the modulator, a floating ring gear (4), a first group of a plurality of interconnected pinions (2) meshed with the sun gear (1) and the floating ring gear (4), wherein the first group of a plurality of interconnected pinions (2) is connected to an output end of the modulator; a force reactor, comprising: a sun gear (1), a floating ring gear (4), a second group of a plurality of interconnected pinions (3), the second group of a plurality of interconnected pinions (3) meshed with the sun gear (1) and the floating ring gear (4); and a rotary motion actuator, comprising: a sun gear (1), a fixed ring gear (7), a third group of a plurality of interconnected pinions (6), the third group of a plurality of interconnected pinions (6) meshed with the sun gear (1) and the fixed ring gear (7), and the third group of a plurality of interconnected pinions (6) and the second group of a plurality of interconnected pinions (3) are connected via a torque limiter (5).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a power transmission device, and more particularly, to a Universal Power Modulator (UPM). Background Art

[0002] Continuously variable transmissions and continuously variable transmissions are widely used in the automotive industry and various other industries involving powertrains. Conventional continuously variable transmissions for force (torque) transmission typically use belts, chains, or rollers as the transmission interface, while continuously variable transmissions for infinite input-to-output speed ratios rely on a tapered device set controlled by a computer / hydraulic application to achieve a wider range of force transmission.

[0003] These transmissions in the prior art require instructions / operating procedures when shifting gears. In other words, for these transmissions in the prior art, when the load conditions change, they require the driver's attention or operation to achieve gear shifting, and cannot operate spontaneously.

[0004] Thus, there is a need for a power transmission device that can achieve autonomous operation regardless of varying load conditions without requiring driver attention or action. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention proposes a novel universal power modulator.

[0006] More specifically, the universal power modulator of the present invention is a purely mechanical structure consisting of three sets of planetary gear assemblies concentrically aligned and connected in two stages. The universal power modulator is installed after the forward / reverse clutch at the rear end of the engine / motor. Power applied from the engine is transmitted simultaneously to both stages. When the engine / motor is operating, a reaction force-generating effect occurs in the second stage through a series of actions involving a rotary motion actuator, a torque limiter, and a force reactor, applying a reaction force to suppress the motion of the floating ring gear. This reaction force is transmitted from the second stage to the first stage, where it combines with the driving force from the sun gear to create a double-lever action. Compared to the single-lever action in conventional planetary gear transmissions, the variable force multiplication effect in the universal power modulator of the present invention results in a combined force influenced by the interrelationship between force and speed, thereby providing sufficient power to drive the planetary gear assembly to rotate at the modulated speed against the load. The slipping action of the torque limiter can mitigate the force impact on the engine / motor if the road surface presents a sudden bump. Regardless of the magnitude or direction of the load changes, the universal power modulator of the present invention automatically and simultaneously reacts to adjust the combined power to keep the vehicle moving in an efficient and appropriate manner. As long as the vehicle is moving forward, whether up or down, the universal power modulator of the present invention responds spontaneously, just like a differential operating on the vehicle's axles, without requiring additional attention from the driver, who would otherwise drive in his or her normal manner.

[0007] The universal power modulator of the present invention utilizes several remarkable mechanical effects, operating in accordance with the laws of classical mechanics, namely, the law of conservation of energy, the principle of leverage, and Newton's laws of motion. The variable force multiplication effect stems from a specially configured dual-drive system based on a planetary gear structure. Under heavy loads, the dual power drive pinions are allowed to rotate with a combined motion, generating a greater force at the expense of reduced rotational speed (i.e., force = 1 / speed), thereby automatically, steplessly, and continuously overcoming the load regardless of load variations. The reaction force generation effect stems from a system combining a specially configured planetary gear structure with a traction medium. This reaction force, acting simultaneously with the external force, presents a predetermined thrust, suppressing the externally driven motion of the floating ring gear. By combining these various effects, the universal power modulator of the present invention is capable of sensing load changes and generating a sufficiently strong driving force in a continuously variable manner.

[0008] Technical Solution 1. A universal power modulator, comprising:

[0009] modulator input;

[0010] modulator output;

[0011] A variable force multiplier comprising a first planetary gear assembly, the first planetary gear assembly comprising:

[0012] a sun gear connected to the modulator input terminal,

[0013] Floating ring gear,

[0014] a first plurality of interconnected pinion gears meshing with the sun gear and the floating ring gear, wherein the first plurality of interconnected pinion gears are connected to the modulator output;

[0015] A force reactor, the force reactor comprising a second planetary gear assembly, the second planetary gear assembly comprising:

[0016] The sun gear,

[0017] The floating ring gear,

[0018] a second plurality of interconnected pinion gears meshing with the sun gear and the floating ring gear;

[0019] A rotary motion actuator, the rotary motion actuator comprising a third planetary gear assembly, the third planetary gear assembly comprising:

[0020] The sun gear,

[0021] Fixed ring gear,

[0022] A third plurality of interconnected pinion gears meshes with the sun gear and the stationary ring gear, wherein the third plurality of interconnected pinion gears are connected to the second plurality of interconnected pinion gears through a torque limiter.

[0023] Technical Solution 2. The universal power modulator according to Technical Solution 1 is characterized in that the variable force multiplier can be switched between a single-lever action mode and a double-lever action mode according to load conditions.

[0024] Technical Solution 3. The universal power modulator according to Technical Solution 2 is characterized in that when the load and the driving force are in the same direction, the variable force multiplier is in a single lever action mode.

[0025] Technical Solution 4. The universal power modulator according to Technical Solution 2 is characterized in that when the load is in the opposite direction to the driving force and is below a predetermined value, the variable force multiplier is in a single lever action mode.

[0026] Technical Solution 5. The universal power modulator according to Technical Solution 2 is characterized in that when the load is in the opposite direction to the driving force and exceeds a predetermined value, the variable force multiplier is in a double lever action mode.

[0027] Technical Solution 6. The universal power modulator according to Technical Solution 5 is characterized in that the variable force multiplier has a variable force multiplication coefficient, and the force multiplication coefficient refers to the ratio of the output force to the driving force.

[0028] Technical Solution 7. The universal power modulator according to Technical Solution 6 is characterized in that the force multiplication coefficient is 2v2 / (v1-v2), where v1 is the linear velocity at the outer edge of the sun gear, and v2 is the spin linear velocity at the outer edge of the first group of multiple interconnected pinions.

[0029] Technical Solution 8. The universal power modulator according to Technical Solution 1 is characterized in that the linear velocity of the rotational motion of the third group of multiple interconnected pinion gears is half the linear velocity at the outer edge of the sun gear.

[0030] Technical Solution 9. The universal power modulator according to Technical Solution 1 is characterized in that the floating ring gear can switch between static and rotational motion according to load conditions.

[0031] Technical Solution 10. The universal power modulator according to Technical Solution 9 is characterized in that when the load is below a predetermined value, the floating ring gear is stationary regardless of whether the direction of the load is the same as or opposite to the direction of the driving force.

[0032] Technical Solution 11. The universal power modulator according to Technical Solution 9 is characterized in that when the load is opposite to the direction of the driving force and exceeds a predetermined value, the floating ring gear rotates in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the first group of multiple interconnected pinions, and the speed of the rotation increases as the load increases.

[0033] Technical Solution 12. The universal power modulator according to Technical Solution 9 is characterized in that when the load is in the same direction as the driving force and exceeds a predetermined value, the floating ring gear rotates in the same direction as the rotation direction of the first group of multiple interconnected pinions, and the speed of the rotation increases as the load increases.

[0034] Technical Solution 13. The universal power modulator according to Technical Solution 1 is characterized in that the torque limiter includes a driving side disk and a driven side disk, and the torque limiter is configured not to slip when the force difference between the driving side disk and the driven side disk is below a predetermined value, and to slip when the force difference between the driving side disk and the driven side disk exceeds a predetermined value.

[0035] Technical Solution 14. The universal power modulator according to Technical Solution 13 is characterized in that the torque limiter is a synchronous magnetic type torque limiter.

[0036] Technical Solution 15. The universal power modulator according to Technical Solution 14 is characterized in that, in the synchronous magnetic type torque limiter, the driving side disk includes a non-ferrous disk bracket embedded with multiple magnets, and the driven side disk is an iron structure.

[0037] Technical Solution 16. The universal power modulator according to Technical Solution 13 is characterized in that the torque limiter is a mechanical torque limiter.

[0038] Technical Solution 17. The universal power modulator according to Technical Solution 16 is characterized in that the mechanical torque limiter is a friction torque limiter.

[0039] Technical Solution 18. The universal power modulator according to Technical Solution 17 is characterized in that, in the friction torque limiter, the driving side disc and the driven side disc respectively include two groups of discs placed alternately with each other, and the friction material is a combination of steel and copper-lead alloy.

[0040] Technical Solution 19. The universal power modulator according to Technical Solution 16 is characterized in that the mechanical torque limiter is a ball-type torque limiter or a roller-type torque limiter.

[0041] Technical Solution 20. The universal power modulator according to Technical Solution 1 is characterized in that when the engine applies instant power, the universal power modulator reacts spontaneously and continuously, and modulates force and speed over a large range based on pure mechanics according to instant physical requirements.

[0042] Technical Solution 21. The universal power modulator according to Technical Solution 1 is characterized in that the variable force multiplier constitutes the first stage of the universal power modulator, and the force reactor, the rotary motion actuator and the torque limiter constitute the second stage of the universal power modulator.

[0043] According to the embodiments of the present invention, a novel universal power modulator and its operation are realized. Compared with the prior art, the universal power modulator and its operation of the present invention have the following beneficial technical effects:

[0044] 1) The technical solution of this invention represents a long-sought-after ideal solution in the field of continuously variable transmission. It breaks through classical mechanical technology by combining the variable force multiplication effect with the reaction force generation effect. This makes the universal power modulator of this invention highly efficient and intelligent in mechanical power transmission, and is particularly effective in automatically switching between different drive modes.

[0045] 2) Simple structure, low manufacturing cost and low maintenance cost, which are prerequisites for advocating the green concept as a global environmental protection trend;

[0046] 3) The compact structure, light weight, and pure permanent gear meshing structure can significantly reduce gear wear, thereby increasing the working life of the gears, making the universal power modulator of the present invention fully automatic, reliable, and efficient;

[0047] 4) The force limiting effect of the universal power modulator of the present invention can protect the engine / drive motor from the impact caused by road bumps. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and in conjunction with embodiments. The advantages and implementations of the present invention will become more apparent. The contents shown in the accompanying drawings are only used to illustrate the present invention and do not constitute any limitation to the present invention. The accompanying drawings are merely schematic and not drawn strictly to scale. In all drawings, the same reference numerals represent the same or similar parts, among which:

[0049] Figure 1 shows a transmission schematic diagram of a universal power modulator according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing the working principle of a variable force multiplier of a universal power modulator according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0051] Figure 3 A schematic diagram showing the working principle of a force reactor of a universal power modulator according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0052] Figure 4 A schematic structural diagram of a rotary motion actuator of a universal power modulator according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0053] Figure 5 A schematic structural diagram of a torque limiter of a universal power modulator according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0054] Figure 6 A photograph showing a prototype of a universal power modulator according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] One or more specific embodiments of the present invention will be described below. In an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of an actual implementation may be described in the specification. It should be understood that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, many implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it should be understood that such development efforts may be complex and time-consuming, but will be no more than a routine task of design, processing, and manufacturing for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0056] The present invention relates to a universal power modulator that acts as an interface between a modulator input and a modulator output. The universal power modulator of the present invention has a unique mechanism that exhibits mechanical intelligence when the load magnitude or direction changes. More specifically, the universal power modulator of the present invention reacts spontaneously and continuously to the instantaneous power applied by the engine, modulating force and speed over a wide range based on pure mechanics and instantaneous physical requirements to output the resultant force in a reasonable manner. Under constant power conditions, as overload occurs, the intensity of the output force increases, but the rotational speed of the pinion is lost, and vice versa. The driver can adjust the accelerator based on the actual speed of the vehicle, experiencing an experience no different from normal driving. Compared to conventional continuously variable transmissions (which use radius differentiation to obtain variable torque), the universal power modulator of the present invention uses a dual-lever drive method for the pinion of the planetary gear assembly.

[0057] Figure 1 FIG. 1 shows a transmission schematic diagram of a general power modulator according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 The universal power modulator serves as an interface between the modulator input and the modulator output. In one embodiment according to the present invention, the universal power modulator includes a variable force multiplier, a force reactor, a torque limiter, and a rotary motion actuator to achieve power transmission from the modulator input to the modulator output.

[0058] In one embodiment according to the present invention, a variable force multiplier includes a first planetary gear assembly comprising: a sun gear 1 connected to a modulator input; a floating ring gear 4; and a first plurality of interconnected pinion gears 2 meshing with the sun gear 1 and the floating ring gear 4, wherein the first plurality of interconnected pinion gears 2 are connected to a modulator output. Additionally, a force reactor includes a second planetary gear assembly comprising: a sun gear 1; a floating ring gear 4; a second plurality of interconnected pinion gears 3 meshing with the sun gear 1 and the floating ring gear 4. Additionally, a rotary motion actuator includes a third planetary gear assembly comprising: a sun gear 1; a fixed ring gear 7; and a third plurality of interconnected pinion gears 6 meshing with the sun gear 1 and the fixed ring gear 7, wherein the third plurality of interconnected pinion gears 6 are connected to the second plurality of interconnected pinion gears 3 via a torque limiter 5.

[0059] In an embodiment according to the present invention, the first plurality of interconnected pinion gears 2, the second plurality of interconnected pinion gears 3, and the third plurality of interconnected pinion gears 6 each include a corresponding planetary gear carrier. That is, the first plurality of interconnected pinion gears 2, the second plurality of interconnected pinion gears 3, and the third plurality of interconnected pinion gears 6 are each interconnected by a corresponding planetary gear carrier.

[0060] In the above embodiments according to the present invention, the variable force multiplier constitutes the first stage of the universal power modulator; the force reactor, the torque limiter and the rotary motion actuator constitute the second stage of the universal power modulator. Figure 1 It can be seen that the sun gear 1 is a common component of the first and second stages of the universal power modulator. In addition, those skilled in the art should understand that the planetary gear assembly is an axially symmetrical structure, and the sun gear 1 is located at the center of the planetary gear assembly, while Figure 1 Only the sun gear 1 and its right half are shown (the symmetrical left half is omitted). The modulator input connected to the sun gear 1 can be, for example, an engine and associated couplings. Note that the floating ring gear 4 is a common component between the variable force multiplier and the force reactor. Those skilled in the art will understand that the term "floating ring gear" means that the floating ring gear 4 is housed within roller bearings and, aside from meshing with the associated pinion, is not subject to any other motion constraints, thus allowing circumferential rotation. In contrast, the fixed ring gear 7 is constrained by another component (e.g., the housing of the rotary motion actuator) and cannot rotate circumferentially.

[0061] Figure 2A schematic diagram of the working principle of the variable force multiplier of the universal power modulator according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. The sun gear 1 rotates clockwise at a constant power (e.g., f1v1), where v1 is the linear velocity at the outer edge of the sun gear 1, and f1 is the driving force of the sun gear 1 on the variable force multiplier (i.e., the force exerted by the sun gear 1 on the pinion 2 at point A). It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the power of the sun gear 1 may vary, and this embodiment takes a constant power (e.g., f1v1) as an example to illustrate how the universal power modulator automatically adjusts the output force and speed according to changes in load and other conditions under a constant modulator input power. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the first group of multiple interconnected pinions 2 typically includes at least three pinions, and in Figure 2 The figure shows only the motion and force conditions of a pinion 2 that moves to the right of the sun gear 1 as an example. Pinion 2 is driven by the sun gear on its left side (i.e., point A), and due to its own rotation, it exerts a counter-thrust force on the floating ring gear 4 on its right side (i.e., point B) (according to Newton's third law of motion). According to the law of action and reaction, pinion 2 is simultaneously subjected to a reaction force f from the floating ring gear 4 that is equal in magnitude but opposite in direction to the counter-thrust force. r It should be noted that the reaction force f r It exists continuously and is in the same direction as the driving force f1 in terms of the rotation direction of the planetary gear assembly. The driving force f1 and the reaction force f r Acting together on both sides of the pinion, they cause a "variable force multiplication effect" to overcome the variable load demand (where the output force exerted by pinion 2 on the modulator output end is f2), thereby achieving the function of stepless speed change in a novel way.

[0062] In an embodiment according to the present invention, as the load changes (either in magnitude or direction), the universal power modulator is capable of handling the transient load condition in one of two different modes:

[0063] (a) The load is in the opposite direction to the driving force f1:

[0064] (i) When the universal power modulator is subjected to a moderate load, it enters a single lever action mode, and the variable force multiplier operates in a manner similar to a conventional planetary gear assembly (i.e., the ring gear is fixed), and the floating ring gear 4 is temporarily anchored by the reaction force applied by the second stage of the universal power modulator. The ratio of the output force f2 to the driving force f1 is defined as the force multiplication factor n, i.e., n=f2 / f1. At this time, the force multiplication factor n=2,

[0065] (ii) As the load increases and exceeds the predetermined value, the universal power modulator begins to enter the double lever action mode, and the pinion 2 is driven by the driving force f1 and the reaction force fr (whose value is equal to f1) work together. Due to the combined action of the above forces, the overall motion of pinion 2 (i.e., spin and rotation) is complementary. The greater the load, the faster the spin of pinion 2 (expressed by the linear velocity v2 of the spin at the outer edge of pinion 2) and the slower the linear velocity (v1-v2) of the rotation of pinion 2.

[0066] (iii) At the same time, the thrust from pinion 2 exceeding a predetermined value triggers the floating ring gear 4 to rotate backward (in the direction opposite to the rotational motion of pinion 2) with a linear velocity of v1-2v2. The faster the spin of pinion 2, the greater the power caused by the reaction force of the second stage of the universal power modulator. The driving force f1 and the reaction force f r The two-way cooperation will successfully achieve the "variable force multiplication effect" to keep the universal power modulator running. The kinetic energy from the rotary motion actuator is converted into the reaction force f caused by the force reactor. r The power generated on pinion 2 is f1(2v2-v1). Considering pinion 2 as an isolated system, according to the law of conservation of energy (i.e., input power equals output power), f1v1+f1(2v2-v1)=f2(v1-v2), thus obtaining the force multiplication factor n=f2 / f1=2v2 / (v1-v2). Clearly, the force multiplication factor n is variable at this point;

[0067] (b) The direction of the load is consistent with the driving force f1:

[0068] (i) For example, when the vehicle is traveling down a gentle slope, most of the gravity is balanced by the mechanical resistance, resulting in a lighter driving effect. The load at pinion 2 is ≤ 2f1, and the universal dynamic modulator remains in single-lever action mode, in which the variable force multiplier operates as a normal planetary gear assembly, and the floating ring gear 4 is temporarily anchored by the reaction force exerted by the second stage of the universal dynamic modulator.

[0069] (ii) As the load increases and exceeds the predetermined value, the rotation speed of the pinion 2 increases accordingly. As the rotation speed of the pinion 2 exceeds the predetermined value, i.e., ≧1 / 2v1, the universal power modulator begins to enter another single lever action mode, in which the movement of the pinion 2 is only affected by the reaction force f r Constraint. The driving action of sun gear 1 is no longer effective because its linear velocity lags behind that of pinion gear 2. It can be assumed that pinion gear 2 rotates around sun gear 1 at a specific speed depending on the load. The greater the load, the faster pinion gear 2 rotates, and the acceleration continues until the power generated by the load and the reaction force f r In this case, no force multiplication effect occurs.

[0070] (iii) Under extreme conditions, such as a massive vehicle moving a long distance downward, gravity will cause it to accelerate continuously. A specific mechanism automatically activates, causing the torque limiter (mechanical) to achieve greater friction, thus preventing the vehicle from exceeding the speed limit. The structure and operating mechanism of the torque limiter are described in more detail below.

[0071] Figure 3 A schematic diagram illustrating the working principle of a force reactor of a universal power modulator according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of a rotary motion actuator of a universal power modulator according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. While being driven by sun gear 1 and having a reverse thrust applied by the first stage of the universal power modulator, the second stage of the universal power modulator performs a "reaction force generation effect," namely, applying an immediate reaction force to the first stage of the power modulator via floating ring gear 4.

[0072] like Figure 4 As shown in FIG, the rotary motion actuator of the second stage of the universal power modulator provides rotational motion (via a torque limiter) to the second plurality of interconnected pinions 3 of the force reactor via its third plurality of interconnected pinions 6. The linear velocity v1-v6 of the rotary motion of the third plurality of interconnected pinions 6 is always equal to half the linear velocity at the outer edge of the sun gear 1, i.e., v1-v6 = 1 / 2v1.

[0073] In one embodiment according to the present invention, a force reactor is concentrically connected to the second plurality of interconnected pinions 3 via a torque limiter. The force reactor combines the driving force 2f transmitted by the rotary motion actuator (via the torque limiter) with the counter-thrust force -f from the first stage of the universal power modulator, transmitted by the floating ring gear 4. When the load is below a predetermined value, the power transmitted by the rotary motion actuator drives the second plurality of interconnected pinions 3 to rotate at a linear velocity of v1 - v2 = 1 / 2v1, with the spin linear velocity v2 at the outer edges of the pinions 3 = 1 / 2v1. At the point of instantaneous engagement between the pinions 3 and the floating ring gear 4, the resulting velocity is the sum of these two components: (v1 - v2) - v2 = 0. In other words, this mechanism of zero resultant linear velocity of the pinions 3 relative to the floating ring gear 4 allows the floating ring gear 4 to be "anchored" in a stationary state until the load exceeds a predetermined value, breaking the anchoring state.

[0074] The force reactor has motion-damping properties, applying a consistent reaction force to any changes in the motion (magnitude or direction) of the floating ring gear 4 caused by an external force. Under normal circumstances, due to the force reactor's "anchoring" mechanism, the floating ring gear 4 remains stationary until it is triggered to rotate by a force greater than a predetermined value (e.g., f1). In this case, a greater load induces faster rotation of the floating ring gear 4.

[0075] Figure 5 A schematic diagram illustrates the structure of a torque limiter 5 for a universal power modulator according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a third plurality of interconnected pinions 6 are connected to a second plurality of interconnected pinions 3 via the torque limiter 5. The torque limiter transmits kinetic energy through a mechanical coupling, but allows slippage when the force differential between the driving and driven discs exceeds a predetermined value. It is typically calibrated to maintain synchronous motion of the driving and driven discs when the vehicle is traveling on a level surface. The torque limiter can be a synchronous magnetic type or a mechanical type.

[0076] More specifically, Figure 5 The torque limiter 5 shown in FIG is a synchronous magnetic type torque limiter. Specifically, the drive side disk includes a non-ferrous (e.g., copper alloy) disk holder embedded with multiple magnets, and a series of strong magnets (e.g., neodymium magnets) are embedded in the non-ferrous disk holder. The cylindrical magnets are evenly spaced with alternating magnetic poles, such as Figure 5 As shown in , N is the north pole and S is the south pole. The non-ferrous disc holder is mounted on a corresponding planetary gear carrier (e.g., the planetary gear carrier of the third set of multiple interconnected pinions 6), and the driving side disc is in close contact with the magnet through an open end of the non-ferrous disc holder. The other end of the magnet is open and slightly recessed, for example, 0.5 mm inside the non-ferrous disc holder, so that the smooth surface of the non-ferrous disc holder is in close contact with the smooth surface of the driven side disc to avoid the surface of the magnet surface directly scratching the surface of the ferrous structure of the driven side disc. The driven side disc includes an ferrous structure, and when the ferrous structure of the driven side disc (e.g., the planetary gear carrier of the second set of multiple interconnected pinions 3 of the force reactor) contacts the surface of the non-ferrous disc holder, the nearby paired magnets appropriately form a magnetic flux circuit (e.g., Figure 6 , schematically shown by the arrows in the figure, thereby generating a traction force between the driving and driven discs. The force 2f1 that triggers slip is determined by the total traction force exerted by the magnet group. Note that the traction force remains the same regardless of the direction of rotation of the force reactor, but its direction changes accordingly. Because the magnetic flux is parallel to the direction of motion, no current is induced.

[0077] In other embodiments according to the present invention, the torque limiter 5 is a mechanical torque limiter. For example, the torque limiter 5 is a friction torque limiter (more specifically, a friction disc torque limiter). Specifically, in a friction torque limiter, in order to transmit mechanical power by friction, the driving side disc and the driven side disc each include two groups of discs (specific open conical metal discs) placed alternately with each other, one group being placed in the order of, for example, the first, third, fifth, up to (d+1) (as the end disc), and the other group being at the second, fourth, and dth positions. This arrangement forms a contact surface for generating friction. The manufactured disc is squeezed by an external force N. The combined friction force exerted by the mechanical torque limiter is: F f =dμN, where d is the number of pairs of contact surfaces of the disks. When the first set of disks rotates, friction generates a traction force, F f =dμN to push the second set of disks to rotate in the same direction.

[0078] This embodiment is a modified Hele-Shaw clutch, used as the interface between a rotary motion actuator and a force reactor. It is necessary to achieve significant and stable traction between the drive and driven discs. It is desirable that the change in friction coefficient from static to dynamic (and vice versa) be as minimal as possible, that is, the difference between the dynamic and static friction coefficients be as small as possible. Based on a table of lubrication coefficients for different materials, and considering ideal and readily available materials (including those with temperature rise resistance, a significant friction coefficient, and a minimal difference between the dynamic and static friction coefficients), the combination of steel and copper-lead alloy outperforms the other combinations, with a static lubricated sliding friction coefficient of 0.16 and a dynamic lubricated sliding friction coefficient of 0.15.

[0079] A combination of steel and copper-lead alloy, with a thin layer of lubricant between them, is tightly pressed together to achieve adequate traction. Compared to a typical clutch, it features a reverse function, so when the driving and driven discs move synchronously, very little power is transmitted. This allows the force reactor's pinion gear (3) to achieve zero net linear velocity against the floating ring gear (4), instantly limiting the movement of the floating ring gear (4) across the first stage of the universal power modulator and the force reactor. Any slip between the driving and driven discs triggers the transmission of a certain amount of drive power; a greater percentage of hysteresis between the driven and driving discs indicates a greater amount of power to be transmitted.

[0080] The drive side disc and driven side disc of the device include hollow metal discs of different shapes. Each drive side disc is staggered with each driven side disc. The inner edge of the driven side disc has a number of symmetrical square cutout grooves, which looks like a ring gear. The square cutout grooves of the driven side disc are connected to the rotating sleeve in a form-fitting manner. One end of the rotating sleeve is slotted so that it can move freely axially along the inner groove of the driven side disc, and the other end is aligned and mounted with the planetary gear carrier of the force reactor. The steel spring passes through the rotating sleeve between the driven side disc and the planetary gear carrier of the force reactor. The steel spring is well calibrated to apply force to its two ends when pressurized under normal circumstances. The outer edge of the drive side disc has the same number of symmetrical square cutout grooves, which looks like a spur gear. The square cutout grooves of the drive side disc are connected to the housing with inner surface grooves in a form-fitting manner. The housing is connected to the planetary gear carrier of the rotary motion actuator in a form-fitting manner.

[0081] Under normal circumstances, the two sets of discs (i.e., the driving and driven discs) rotate synchronously due to static friction. When the load on the driven disc increases and exceeds a predetermined value (e.g., 2f1), the traction between the two sets of discs is overcome, triggering slip. The greater the load, the greater the lag of the driven disc relative to the driving disc. Excessive driving force f1 transmitted by the engine's sun gear 1 is offset. This design helps protect the engine from transient shocks and overloads. Note that the predetermined load value (e.g., 2f1) at which the driving and driven discs begin to slip corresponds to the predetermined load value (e.g., f1) at which the floating ring gear 4 begins to rotate. However, due to the leverage of the variable force multiplier, the predetermined load value (e.g., 2f1) at which the driving and driven discs begin to slip is twice the predetermined load value (e.g., f1) at which the floating ring gear 4 begins to rotate. That is, when the load starts to trigger the driving side disc and the driven side disc to slip, the floating ring gear 4 starts to rotate at the same time.

[0082] A specific mechanism automatically increases the axial force in the torque limiter (mechanical) to generate greater friction (i.e., >2f1). This axial force is generated by the helical gear structure of the force reactor, under the counter-rotating motion of the floating ring gear 4. This increased friction significantly reduces the slip between the driving and driven discs of the torque limiter, allowing the floating ring gear 4 to return to a stationary state. Conversely, if the load decreases, the axial force also decreases. This mechanism allows the vehicle to maintain the same speed when traveling downhill as when traveling on a level surface.

[0083] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the torque limiter may be any other type of torque limiter capable of implementing the universal power modulator of the present invention. For example, a ball-type torque limiter or a roller-type torque limiter may also be used for the universal power modulator of the present invention.

[0084] Figure 6A photograph shows a prototype of a universal power modulator according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. This prototype features an inspection window on the front right, allowing a view of the internal workings. As the load increases, the output force increases, but the rotational speed slows. To achieve a greater net force, the floating ring gear 4 rotates backward; the greater the load, the faster it rotates. In this way, the universal power modulator of the present invention achieves sufficient torque transmission.

[0085] The prototype measures 250 mm in length, 150 mm in width, and 150 mm in height, respectively. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the universal power modulator according to the present invention can have any size, depending on the application. The prototype is driven by a 220VAC, 80W, single-phase induction motor. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the universal power modulator according to the present invention can be used in combination with any type of engine or motor, depending on the application. The prototype's sun gear 1 is driven by an 8 mm diameter drive shaft to power the rotary motion actuator, force reactor, and force multiplier. The prototype's floating ring gear 4 and fixed ring gear 7 each have an inner diameter of 60 mm and an outer diameter of 90 mm. The prototype's sun gear 1, first plurality of interconnected pinions 2, second plurality of interconnected pinions 3, and third plurality of interconnected pinions 6 each have an outer diameter of 20 mm. Each of the first plurality of interconnected pinions 2, second plurality of interconnected pinions 3, and third plurality of interconnected pinions 6 comprises three interconnected pinions supported by an associated planetary gear carrier. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the above sizes and numbers of interconnected pinions may be any sizes and numbers that enable the universal power modulator to achieve its functions.

[0086] According to embodiments of the present invention, a novel universal power modulator and its operation are implemented. Compared to the prior art, the universal power modulator and its operation have the following beneficial technical effects: 1) The technical solution of the present invention represents a long-sought ideal solution in the field of continuously variable transmission, breaking through classical mechanical technology. The variable force multiplication effect is combined with the reaction force generation effect, making the universal power modulator of the present invention efficient and intelligent in mechanical power transmission, especially when automatically switching between different drive modes. 2) The structure is simple, with low manufacturing cost and low maintenance costs, which are prerequisites for promoting the green concept as a global environmental protection trend. 3) The structure is compact and lightweight, and the pure gear permanent meshing structure significantly reduces gear wear, thereby increasing the gear's service life, making the universal power modulator of the present invention fully automatic, reliable and efficient. 4) The force limiting effect of the universal power modulator of the present invention protects the engine / drive motor from impact caused by road bumps.

[0087] The above advantages make the universal power modulator of the present invention readily commercially viable. Thanks to the advanced technology of the modern automotive industry, it is easy to initiate experimental projects based on individual requirements. The universal power modulator has a simple structure, requiring no supporting components, no expensive or specialized materials, and even no complex production processes. By obtaining valuable experimental data and customizing independent design, testing, and evaluation for their projects, industries can quickly launch production by making modest adjustments to existing production platforms without investing significant capital or manpower. Therefore, it is worthwhile for industry to experiment with this promising machine, which carries significant commercial value.

[0088] Since the universal power modulator of the present invention does not require hydraulic components (hydraulic torque converters consume some energy due to fluid flow disturbances and reproduce the nonlinear intensity of force / torque output), this means that less energy consumption and higher efficiency can be achieved under purely gear-based conditions. Furthermore, the universal power modulator is compact in size, has a sturdy main structure, and is independent of the control network (i.e., electric, pneumatic, hydraulic, or computer monitoring). The universal power modulator can operate uninterruptedly without the need for a sequence control console connected to other components. Furthermore, the universal power modulator's simple structure results in correspondingly higher reliability, improved transmission safety, and fewer failures. Furthermore, the simple structure of the universal power modulator eliminates unnecessary components that are prone to unexpected failures and also lead to complex manufacturing and maintenance. Therefore, the universal power modulator of the present invention conforms to the concept of green power transmission, which is a global environmental trend.

[0089] The foregoing description merely mentions preferred embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein. It will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that various obvious modifications, adjustments, and substitutions may be made to these embodiments to adapt them to specific circumstances without departing from the gist of the present invention. In fact, the scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the claims and may include other examples that may be envisioned by those skilled in the art. If such other examples have structural elements that are indistinguishable from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements that are not significantly different from the literal language of the claims, then they will fall within the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A universal power modulator comprising: modulator input; modulator output; A variable force multiplier comprising a first planetary gear assembly, the first planetary gear assembly comprising: A sun gear (1), the sun gear (1) being connected to the modulator input end, Floating ring gear (4), a first plurality of interconnected pinion gears (2), the first plurality of interconnected pinion gears (2) meshing with the sun gear (1) and the floating ring gear (4), wherein the first plurality of interconnected pinion gears (2) are connected to the modulator output; A force reactor, the force reactor comprising a second planetary gear assembly, the second planetary gear assembly comprising: The sun gear (1), The floating gear ring (4) a second plurality of interconnected pinion gears (3), the second plurality of interconnected pinion gears (3) meshing with the sun gear (1) and the floating ring gear (4); A rotary motion actuator, the rotary motion actuator comprising a third planetary gear assembly, the third planetary gear assembly comprising: The sun gear (1), Fixed ring gear (7), A third plurality of interconnected pinions (6) are meshed with the sun gear (1) and the fixed ring gear (7), wherein the third plurality of interconnected pinions (6) are connected to the second plurality of interconnected pinions (3) via a torque limiter (5).

2. The universal power modulator according to claim 1, characterized in that The variable force multiplier is switchable between a single lever action mode and a double lever action mode depending on load conditions.

3. The universal power modulator according to claim 2, characterized in that When the load is in the same direction as the driving force (f1), the variable force multiplier is in single lever action mode.

4. The universal power modulator according to claim 2, characterized in that When the load is opposite to the driving force (f1) and below a predetermined value, the variable force multiplier is in a single lever action mode.

5. The universal power modulator according to claim 2, characterized in that When the load is opposite to the driving force (f1) and exceeds a predetermined value, the variable force multiplier is in a double lever action mode.

6. The universal power modulator according to claim 5, characterized in that The variable force multiplier has a variable force multiplication coefficient, which refers to the ratio of the output force (f2) to the driving force (f1).

7. The universal power modulator according to claim 6, characterized in that The force multiplication factor is 2v2 / (v1-v2), where v1 is the linear velocity at the outer edge of the sun gear (1), and v2 is the spin linear velocity at the outer edge of the first plurality of interconnected pinion gears (2).

8. The universal power modulator according to claim 1, wherein: The linear velocity of the rotary motion of the third plurality of interconnected pinions (6) is half the linear velocity (v1) at the outer edge of the sun gear (1).

9. The universal power modulator according to claim 1, characterized in that The floating gear ring (4) can switch between stationary and rotating motion according to load conditions.

10. The universal power modulator according to claim 9, characterized in that When the load is below a predetermined value, the floating gear ring (4) is stationary, regardless of whether the load direction is the same as or opposite to the direction of the driving force (f1).

11. The universal power modulator according to claim 9, characterized in that When the load is opposite to the direction of the driving force (f1) and exceeds a predetermined value, the floating gear ring (4) rotates in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the first plurality of interconnected pinions (2), and the speed of the rotation increases as the load increases.

12. The universal power modulator according to claim 9, characterized in that When the load is in the same direction as the driving force (f1) and exceeds a predetermined value, the floating gear ring (4) rotates in the same direction as the rotation direction of the first plurality of interconnected pinions (2), and the speed of the rotation increases as the load increases.

13. The universal power modulator according to claim 1, characterized in that The torque limiter (5) includes a driving side disc and a driven side disc, and the torque limiter (5) is configured not to slip when the force difference between the driving side disc and the driven side disc is below a predetermined value, and to slip when the force difference between the driving side disc and the driven side disc exceeds a predetermined value.

14. The universal power modulator according to claim 13, characterized in that The torque limiter (5) is a synchronous magnetic type torque limiter.

15. The universal power modulator according to claim 14, characterized in that In the synchronous magnetic type torque limiter, the driving side disc includes a non-ferrous disc bracket embedded with a plurality of magnets, and the driven side disc is a ferrous structure.

16. The universal power modulator according to claim 13, characterized in that The torque limiter (5) is a mechanical torque limiter.

17. The universal power modulator according to claim 16, characterized in that The mechanical torque limiter is a friction torque limiter.

18. The universal power modulator according to claim 17, characterized in that In the friction torque limiter, the driving side disc and the driven side disc each include two sets of discs placed alternately with each other, and the friction material is a combination of steel and copper-lead alloy.

19. The universal power modulator according to claim 16, characterized in that The mechanical torque limiter is a ball-type torque limiter or a roller-type torque limiter.

20. The universal power modulator according to claim 1, characterized in that The universal power modulator reacts spontaneously and continuously when the engine applies instant power, and modulates force and speed over a wide range based on pure mechanics according to instant physical requirements.

21. The universal power modulator according to claim 1, characterized in that The variable force multiplier constitutes the first stage of the universal power modulator, and the force reactor, the rotary motion actuator and the torque limiter (5) constitute the second stage of the universal power modulator.

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