Circle Drive Gear Box Offset Axes Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grading machine systems, such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,540,787, face limitations in torque delivery and range of motion due to interference with other components, which restricts the positioning and orientation options for the grading blade.
Innovation Solution
A grading machine system featuring a circle drive system with a gear box that includes parallel and offset axes of rotation, allowing for increased torque delivery and enhanced blade positioning capabilities through a combination of a circle drive motor and gear coupling, enabling the blade to be rotated up to 75 degrees or 360 degrees, and featuring a gear coupling that includes a worm gear assembly to transmit power between perpendicular axes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a gear apparatus is used to increase torque on the output shaft, then torque delivery is improved, but the system may interfere with other components and reduce range of motion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-axis gear arrangement to a dual-axis gear system where the first gear rotates about a first axis and the second gear rotates about a second axis that is parallel to and spaced from the first axis. This dimensional change allows the gear apparatus to deliver increased torque while avoiding interference with other components and maintaining enhanced range of motion for the blade positioning system.
2Device complexity
If a single-axis gear apparatus is used, then the structure is simpler, but torque delivery is limited and interferes with other components
Solution Approach 1:
The gear apparatus is segmented into multiple independent gear components (first gear and second gear) that can be positioned on separate parallel axes. This segmentation allows each gear to be optimized for its specific function while collectively providing enhanced torque delivery capability without the interference problems of a single-axis design.
3Productivity
If the blade is engaged with material, then grading capability is improved, but different blade positions require different amounts of torque
Solution Approach 1:
The dual-axis gear system provides dynamic torque delivery capability that can adapt to different blade positions and material engagement conditions. The system can deliver variable torque amounts as needed when the blade is engaged with material, enabling effective grading capability across different operating conditions without requiring excessive torque throughout the entire range of motion.
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
The system provides improved torque delivery and expanded range of motion for the grading blade, allowing for more precise and effective earth sculpting tasks without interference with other machine components, enhancing the machine's operational flexibility and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The gear box may include a first gear that rotates about a first axis of rotation that is parallel to the circle axis, and the gear box also may include a second gear that rotates about a second axis that is parallel to the circle axis and spaced away from the first axis of rotation.
Implementation Method 2
featuring a gear coupling that includes a worm gear assembly to transmit power between perpendicular axes
Data Source
AI summary
A grading machine includes a machine body, a grading blade supported by a circle, a drawbar connecting the grading blade and the circle to the machine body, and a circle drive system including a circle drive motor and a gear box. The gear box is configured to engage with and rotate the circle relative to the drawbar around a circle axis. The gear box includes a first gear that rotates about a first axis of rotation that is parallel to the circle axis, and the gear box also includes a second gear that rotates about a second axis that is parallel to the circle axis and spaced away from the first axis of rotation.