Concentric Output Shaft Transmission for Independent Synchronous Drive

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing transmission modules with two parallel drive shafts converted into two concentric output shafts require both drives to be designed for continuous operation, which is complex and unnecessary since synchronous movement is more common than relative movement.

Innovation Solution

A transmission module design where the first drive shaft enables synchronous rotation of both output shafts, and the second drive shaft allows for relative movement between them, making the drives independent and only requiring synchronization during relative movement, with a compact and scalable gear unit incorporating a planetary gear system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If both drives are designed for continuous operation to enable synchronous rotation of two output shafts, then the transmission module can achieve synchronous movement, but the device complexity and cost increase unnecessarily

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynchronous movement capabilityVSAvoiddrive design complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transmission module is segmented into two independent drive systems: a first drive for continuous synchronous operation and a second drive for intermittent relative movement. This segmentation allows each drive to be optimized for its specific function, with the second drive being simpler and less expensive since it only needs to operate during relative movement phases rather than continuously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If both drives are designed for continuous operation, then synchronous rotation is achieved, but the period of use for the second drive is excessive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous operation capabilityVSAvoidperiod of use
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The second drive operates periodically rather than continuously, engaging only when relative movement between output shafts is required. This periodic operation reduces the duration of action for the second drive, allowing it to be designed with lighter components and lower power requirements compared to a continuously operating drive.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Reliability

If two drives are synchronized continuously, then synchronous rotation is maintained, but the control technology becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynchronization accuracyVSAvoidcontrol technology
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The synchronization requirement is extracted from the second drive and applied only to the first drive, which operates continuously. The second drive is decoupled from continuous synchronization requirements, needing to synchronize only during brief relative movement phases. This extraction simplifies the control technology for the second drive while maintaining overall system synchronization when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 design allows for efficient operation with the first drive shaft designed for prolonged use and the second for only relative movement periods, reducing unnecessary synchronization requirements and enhancing compactness and scalability.

Implementation Method 1

The transmission unit is designed in such a way that a synchronous rotational movement of the two output shafts can be brought about by a rotary movement of the first drive shaft and that a relative rotary movement of the two output shafts can be brought about by a rotary movement of the second drive shaft

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGear mechanism: Gear

Data Source

PatentEP3670115B1Transmission module, gripper module with transmission module and gripper device with gripper module
Publication Date: 2021.10.20 TECAN TRADING AG
  • EP3670115B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3670115B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3670115B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A transmission module for transmitting torques comprising a base (1), a first drive shaft (2), a second drive shaft (7) parallel thereto, a first output shaft (5) and a second output shaft (8), both of which are rotatable about a common axis, wherein the drive shafts (2;7) are arranged parallel to the common axis of the output shafts (5;8), a gear unit (9), wherein the two drive shafts (2;7), the gear unit (9) and the first output shaft (5) are rotatably mounted in the base (1), wherein the second output shaft (8) is rotatably mounted in the first output shaft (5), wherein the gear unit (9) is configured such that a rotational movement of the first drive shaft (2) can produce a synchronous rotational movement of the two output shafts (5;8) and that a rotational movement of the second drive shaft (7) can produce a relative rotational movement of the two output shafts (5;8).