Asymmetric Mass Axial Transmission Reducing Rotational Energy Loss

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current variable speed drive systems face performance losses due to inertial movements causing unnecessary rotational energy loss, excessive friction, and invariable pulley radius, leading to inefficient torque handling and reduced service life.

Innovation Solution

The axial transmission system features non-cylindrical housings and masses with inertial movement, a bell-shaped cover with a fan for cooling and impurity removal, and variable-radius pulleys with oblique notches for dynamic speed adjustment, preventing rotational wear and optimizing energy use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If cylindrical masses are used that can rotate in their housings, then the device can accommodate inertial movement, but rotational energy is lost and the masses sharpen forming tips that hinder movement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemass stabilityVSAvoidrotational energy loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is designed with an asymmetric T-shaped cross-section that matches the asymmetric shape of the mass. This asymmetric configuration prevents the mass from rotating within the housing, eliminating rotational energy loss and preventing the formation of sharp tips that would hinder movement. The mass is constrained to move only in the axial direction along the inclined plane.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Stability of the object's composition

If cylindrical masses are used that can rotate in their housings, then the device can accommodate inertial movement, but excessive friction is generated reducing service life

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemass stabilityVSAvoidservice life
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The asymmetric T-shaped housing and mass configuration eliminates rotational movement, converting the motion from rotational-friction to linear sliding friction. This significantly reduces friction and wear, thereby extending the service life and improving reliability of the variable speed drive system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

3Device complexity

If a fixed-radius pulley is used, then the structure is simple, but the radius of action is always the same requiring significantly greater torque to initially move the wheel

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepulley structureVSAvoidstarting torque
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The pulley is designed with a variable radius where the effective radius of action changes dynamically with the angular speed of the drive shaft. At low speeds, the belt acts on a larger radius reducing starting torque requirements. As speed increases, the radius decreases, optimizing the speed-torque characteristics throughout the operating range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If masses are allowed to rotate in their housings, then inertial movement is accommodated, but energy not utilized is carried out and movement is hindered

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemovement adaptabilityVSAvoidenergy utilization
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The asymmetric T-shaped housing configuration allows the mass to adapt its position along the inclined plane in response to inertial forces while preventing rotational movement. This ensures that all inertial energy is converted into useful axial movement that drives the variable speed mechanism, with no energy wasted in rotation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

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

This configuration reduces starting torque, enhances speed variability, and extends system lifespan by minimizing friction and optimizing belt path usage, while maintaining cleanliness and cooling efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

the driving pulley comprises inside the bell-shaped cover a fan for cooling the system and expelling possible particles that get into the space comprised between the bell-shaped cover and the mobile disc of the driving pulley

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFan cooling: Fan

Implementation Method 2

a second disc being mobile in the axial direction of the shaft due to its own inertia

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInertia: Inertia

Data Source

PatentEP3141778B1Axial transmission system
Publication Date: 2020.06.03 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION & INNOVATION SA
  • EP3141778B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3141778B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3141778B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to an axial transmission system which comprises a driving pulley (1) provided with a stationary disc (11) and a mobile disc (12) that can be moved along a drive shaft (10) and has, on an outer face, a series of inclined and divergent housings (13) containing masses (14) that can be moved inertially against a bell-shaped cover (4), the housings (13) and the masses (14) having a non-cylindrical configuration, a driven pulley (2) provided with a stationary disc (21) secured to an output shaft (20), a mobile disc (22) provided with means for movement in the axial direction as a result of its own inertia with respect to the output shaft (20), and a belt that associates the driving and driven pulleys (1, 2) in rotation.