Differential Powertrain Layout for Compact Variable-Speed Drives
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drive systems face challenges in achieving efficient, speed-variable operation with limited installation space, particularly due to constraints in overall length and axial offset between the drive machine and driven machine components.
Innovation Solution
The drive train design incorporates a differential transmission system with an adjusting gear system that allows for reduced overall length by projecting gears into the area of a bearing and using a shaft assembly with adjustable lengths, along with a ring gear carrier that adapts to the necessary distance between the differential drive and drive machine, and employs roller bearings for higher precision mounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a differential transmission system is used to achieve speed-variable operation, then operational efficiency and speed variability are improved, but the overall length and installation space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensional reconfiguration by arranging gears radially around the drive shaft and positioning components in the circumferential direction rather than solely along the axial direction. This allows the differential transmission system to achieve speed variability while reducing the overall length of the drive train by utilizing the radial dimension for component layout.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nesting by placing the adjusting gear system and differential transmission components in a compact, nested arrangement where gears are positioned within the radial space of the drive shaft assembly. The first gears and second gears are arranged concentrically, allowing multiple functional elements to occupy overlapping spatial envelopes, thereby reducing the total installation footprint.
2Area of stationary object
If the distance between the differential drive and drive machine is reduced to save space, then installation space is improved, but the ability to adapt to different configurations is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adaptability through an adjustable shaft assembly that can be configured in different length variations. The shaft connecting the differential drive to the drive machine is designed with adjustable positioning capabilities, allowing the distance between components to be modified according to specific installation requirements while maintaining a compact overall footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves universality by designing a modular shaft assembly that can accommodate multiple distance configurations and mounting arrangements. The same basic shaft component structure can be adapted to different installation scenarios by adjusting its effective length or positioning, making the drive train system versatile enough to handle various spatial constraints without requiring completely different designs.
3Manufacturing precision
If precision mounting is implemented using roller bearings, then mounting precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by integrating the roller bearing mounting directly into the shaft assembly structure. The bearing housing and mounting features are combined with the shaft components themselves rather than being separate assemblies, which reduces the overall device complexity while maintaining high mounting precision. The bearing arrangement is incorporated into the existing structural elements of the drive train.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a drive train having a drive shaft of a driven machine, a drive machine, and a differential transmission with three drives or outputs, wherein one output can be connected to the drive shaft, a first drive can be connected to the drive machine, and a second drive can be connected to a differential drive. The differential drive is connected to the second drive via an adjusting gear system with gears, and the drive shaft is connected to the output via an output gear system with gears. Viewed from the drive machine in the direction of the axis of the drive shaft, the gears of the adjusting gear system project at least as far as into the area of the gears of the output gear system.