Bogie Axle Torque Transmission via Nested Planetary Gears

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current bogie axle systems lack efficient torque transmission and differential mechanisms that allow for independent wheel rotation at different velocities, which can lead to reduced mobility and stability in vehicles, especially in rugged terrain or heavy loads.

Innovation Solution

The bogie axle system incorporates a differential carrier, planetary gear sets, roller bearings, and a slew bearing assembly to facilitate torque transmission and independent wheel rotation, featuring a chain housing and sprocket system that connects the bogie axle assembly to wheel mounts, enabling differential velocity and improved mobility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a conventional bogie axle system is used, then the structure is simple, but torque transmission efficiency is poor and wheels cannot rotate at different velocities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque transmission efficiencyVSAvoidsystem structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bogie axle system is divided into modular components including a differential carrier, multiple planetary gear sets (first and second), roller bearings, and a slew bearing assembly. Each component performs a specific function in the torque transmission chain, allowing for efficient power distribution while maintaining manageable structural complexity through functional segmentation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The planetary gear sets are nested within the differential carrier structure. The first planetary gear set and second planetary gear set are arranged concentrically, with components of one gear set positioned within or adjacent to components of the other, creating a compact nested configuration that maximizes torque transmission efficiency within a confined space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If wheels are constrained to rotate at the same velocity, then the structure is simple, but vehicle mobility and stability are reduced in rugged terrain

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewheel velocity adaptabilityVSAvoiddifferential mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The differential mechanism enables dynamic velocity distribution to the wheels through the planetary gear sets. As the vehicle encounters varying terrain, the differential carrier and planetary gears automatically adjust the rotation speed of each wheel independently, allowing the system to adapt to changing conditions while maintaining structural integrity through the robust slew bearing assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 enhances the bogie axle system's ability to transmit torque efficiently and allow for independent wheel rotation, improving vehicle mobility and stability, particularly in challenging conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a first planetary gear set and a second planetary gear set

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGear mechanism: Gear

Implementation Method 2

roller bearings

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRoller bearing: Roller

Implementation Method 3

a slew bearing assembly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSlew bearing: Ball Bearing

Data Source

PatentEP3144172B1Bogie axle system
Publication Date: 2019.12.11 ARVINMERITOR TECHNOLOGY LLC
  • EP3144172B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3144172B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3144172B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A bogie axle system having an axle housing, a planetary gear set, a chain housing, and a slew bearing assembly. The axle housing may at least partially receive planetary gear set. The chain housing may receive a drive sprocket unit. The slew bearing assembly may pivotally couple the chain housing to the axle housing.