Circle Drive Torque Division for Worm Wheel Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rotational drives for motor graders concentrate torque stress on a single mesh point, leading to reduced useful life and increased maintenance needs, while dual motor systems complicate assembly and introduce design trade-offs and stress due to asynchronous operation.
Innovation Solution
A circle drive with a torque dividing arrangement that distributes driving torque across multiple locations about a worm wheel using a set of shafts, torque dividing gear sets, and worm gears, allowing even torque distribution and reducing stress on individual components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single mesh point is used to transmit torque in conventional rotational drives, then the structure is simple, but the torque stress concentrates on a single point leading to reduced useful life and increased maintenance needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the torque transmission path into multiple mesh points (at least two mesh points) around the worm wheel. Instead of concentrating torque through a single mesh point, the system uses multiple worm gears engaging with the worm wheel at different locations, thereby segmenting the stress distribution and improving reliability without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by creating non-uniform spacing between the mesh points around the worm wheel. The spacing is designed such that mesh points are located at positions that optimize stress distribution, with greater spacing in regions experiencing higher radial loads. This localized optimization of mesh point placement enhances durability while maintaining structural efficiency.
2Reliability
If dual motor systems are used to drive the circle gear, then torque can be distributed, but assembly is complicated and design trade-offs and stress are introduced due to asynchronous operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the torque input from a single motor into multiple output paths by using a single worm gear that simultaneously engages with multiple worm wheels or multiple mesh points on the worm wheel. This segmentation approach achieves torque distribution without requiring multiple motors, thereby maintaining assembly simplicity while improving reliability through balanced torque delivery.
3Reliability
If multiple mesh points are used around the worm wheel, then torque stress is distributed improving reliability, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing non-uniform spacing between mesh points based on the local load conditions. Mesh points are positioned with greater spacing in regions experiencing higher radial loads and closer spacing in regions with lower loads. This localized optimization reduces the overall complexity of the gear arrangement while maintaining effective torque distribution and improving reliability where it is most needed.
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 solution extends the useful life of the rotational drive, simplifies construction, reduces maintenance costs, and enhances precision and control of the blade positioning and rotation, enabling robust and accurate operation under heavy-duty conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a worm wheel operatively coupled to the circle gear to drive the circle gear
Implementation Method 2
a set of worm gears meshed with the worm wheel
Implementation Method 3
a torque dividing gear set arranged on one or more of the set of shafts to rotationally couple the set of shafts to one another
Data Source
AI summary
A circle drive for rotating a blade on a draft frame of a motor grader includes a circle gear mounting the blade, a worm wheel, a torque dividing arrangement, and a single input provided on a first shaft. The torque dividing arrangement includes a set of shafts positioned about the worm wheel, a torque dividing gear set, and a set of worm gears meshed with the worm wheel. The worm wheel is operatively coupled to drive the circle gear. The set of worm gears includes a first worm gear on a first shaft and a second worm gear on a second shaft. The single input is configured to provide a driving torque that drives the set of worm gears such that the set of worm gears divides the driving torque. The driving torque is capable of driving the worm wheel for driving the circle gear and rotating the blade.