Bevel Gearbox Layout for Same-Hand Threaded Stem Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gearboxes require oppositely-directed threads on stems, necessitating specialized and costly manufacturing processes, and often requiring different suppliers for each thread direction, increasing production costs.
Innovation Solution
A gearbox design that allows for two stems with threads of the same directionality to move longitudinally in concert, eliminating the need for oppositely-directed threads by reversing the tooth disposition on one bevel gear relative to the other.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If oppositely-directed threads are used on stems, then longitudinal movement of stems is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using oppositely-directed threads on stems to achieve synchronized longitudinal movement, the patent inverts the approach by using uniformly-directed threads combined with bevel gears having different tooth dispositions. The first bevel gear has teeth on its upper surface while the second bevel gear has teeth on its lower surface, causing them to rotate in opposite directions and thus move the stems in the same longitudinal direction despite having threads of the same directionality.
2Ease of operation
If oppositely-directed threads are used on stems, then synchronized longitudinal movement is achieved, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for specialized manufacturing equipment required for oppositely-directed threads by inverting the mechanical advantage approach. Uniformly-directed threads on stems combined with bevel gears of different tooth dispositions achieve synchronized movement without requiring costly specialized threading equipment or multiple suppliers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the bevel gears (tooth disposition on upper vs. lower surfaces) rather than changing the thread directionality parameter of the stems. This parameter substitution allows the system to achieve the same functional outcome (synchronized movement) while using standard, cost-effective threading parameters.
3Ease of operation
If oppositely-directed threads are used on stems, then longitudinal movement is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies the overall device complexity by inverting where the directional differentiation occurs. Instead of having complex thread configurations on the stems, the complexity is moved to the bevel gears' tooth dispositions, which are easier to manufacture and assemble. The stems themselves become simpler with uniform thread directionality.
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
Enables cost-effective production of stems with uniform thread direction, reducing manufacturing complexity and costs while maintaining efficient longitudinal movement of the stems.
Implementation Method 1
a first bevel gear, a second bevel gear, and a pinion shaft connecting the first bevel gear and the second bevel gear
Implementation Method 2
a first threaded stem passing through the first central opening of the first bevel gear, the first threaded stem comprising a thread configured to mate with a thread formed in the first central opening of the first bevel gear
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for effecting movement of an object, the apparatus comprising: a first bevel gear having a first central opening formed therein, the first bevel gear comprising an upper surface and a lower surface; a second bevel gear having a second central opening formed therein, the second bevel gear comprising an upper surface and a lower surface; a first threaded stem passing through the first central opening of the first bevel gear, the first threaded stem comprising a thread configured to mate with a thread formed in the first central opening of the first bevel gear; a second threaded stem passing through the second central opening of the second bevel gear, the second threaded stem comprising a thread configured to mate with a thread formed in the second central opening of the second bevel gear; a pinion gear comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the pinion gear is configured to engage a plurality of teeth formed on the upper surface of the first bevel gear, and the second end of the pinion gear is configured to engage a plurality of teeth formed on the lower surface of the second bevel gear; and wherein rotation of the first bevel gear in a first direction effects (i) longitudinal movement of the first threaded stem relative to the first bevel gear, and (ii) rotation of the second bevel gear in the first direction, and further wherein rotation of the second bevel gear in the first direction effects longitudinal movement of the second threaded stem relative to the second bevel gear.