Continuously Variable Transmission Steering Differential Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing continuously variable speed transmission systems lack the ability to simultaneously and independently control speed and steering, as they typically require separate mechanisms for gear ratio adjustment and steering differential functions.
Innovation Solution
A continuously variable speed transmission and steering differential system featuring a central drive axle with two pairs of sheaves and shift arms, where shifting the shift arms adjusts the gear ratio between the sheaves to control speed and steering, utilizing ball screw shafts for precise positioning and motor-driven actuation to achieve simultaneous speed and steering control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate mechanisms are used for gear ratio adjustment and steering differential functions, then each function can be controlled independently, but the device complexity increases and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the gear ratio adjustment mechanism and steering differential mechanism into a single integrated system. The shift arms serve dual purposes: they adjust the spacing between drive sheaves to control gear ratio while simultaneously controlling the spacing between driven sheaves to provide steering differential. This merging eliminates the need for separate mechanisms, reducing device complexity while maintaining independent control capability through the unified shift arm positioning system.
Solution Approach 2:
The shift arms are designed as universal components that perform multiple functions. By positioning the shift arms at different locations along the drive and driven sheaves, the system enables both gear ratio adjustment and steering differential control through the same mechanical elements. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed while preserving independent control of both functions through shift arm positioning.
2Device complexity
If a unified mechanism is used for speed and steering control, then device complexity is reduced, but the precision of independent control may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The unified mechanism is segmented into distinct functional zones along the shift arms. The drive sheaf spacing control and driven sheaf spacing control are separated into different spatial regions, allowing each function to be optimized independently within the unified structure. This segmentation enables precise control of gear ratio and steering differential simultaneously, maintaining measurement precision while reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the shift arm system are optimized for different functions. The positioning mechanism at the drive sheaf end is optimized for gear ratio control, while the positioning mechanism at the driven sheaf end is optimized for steering differential control. This local quality optimization ensures that each function maintains high precision within the unified mechanism structure.
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 system allows for simultaneous and independent control of speed and steering by varying the gap between shift arms, enhancing the vehicle's speed control and steering capabilities through a unified mechanism, thereby improving overall performance and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the shift arms are connected with at least one ball screw shaft extending perpendicular to the shift arms for controlling the lateral spacing between the shift arms by rotating the ball screw shaft
Implementation Method 2
The two pairs of sheaves, left and right, are mounted to the drive axle. Each pair of sheaves includes a fixed drive sheave and a movable drive sheave.
Implementation Method 3
Shifting the shift arms left or right varies the gear ratio between the left and right pair of sheaves thereby providing steering control
Data Source
AI summary
The present concept is a continuously variable speed transmission and steering differential. It includes a laterally extending central drive axle driven by an external power source, two pairs of drive sheaves mounted to drive axles, and a means for transmitting rotational energy from the drive sheaves to the drive axles. There are two extended shift arms spaced apart for controlling the positioning of movable drive sheaves. Narrowing or increasing the gap between shift arms, does the same for the gap between the drive sheaves, increasing or decreasing the gear ration respectively which provides speed control. Shifting the shift arms left or right varies the gear ratio between the left and right pair of sheaves, providing differential speed between the left and right driven axles, which provides steering control.