Continuously Variable Transmission for Agricultural Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
The design and development of multiple transmission variations for different agricultural vehicle configurations lead to duplication of effort, increased complexity, and higher costs due to the need for distinct transmissions and additional hardware like transfer boxes to adjust shaft positions.
Innovation Solution
A continuously variable transmission with two offset output drive shafts, which eliminates the requirement for a separate transfer box by using a mechanical or hydrostatic branch with hydraulic motors or an electrical branch with electric motors to provide variable drive to both front and rear axles, allowing for compact assembly and reduced component count.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate transmissions are designed for each vehicle configuration, then each configuration receives a dedicated transmission solution, but development effort and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single transmission that can serve multiple vehicle configurations (tracked, wheeled, front-engine, mid-engine) through optional component combinations. The transmission includes optional front and rear differentials that can be selectively included or excluded based on the specific vehicle application, allowing one base design to adapt to various configurations without requiring separate dedicated transmissions for each.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional transfer boxes are added to adjust shaft positions, then shaft vertical displacement is achieved, but device complexity and component count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple separate components (transmission, transfer box, differential) into a single integrated transmission assembly. The transmission directly provides both vertical shaft displacement and differential functions through its internal geometry and optional component layout, eliminating the need for separate transfer boxes that would otherwise be required to achieve the same shaft position adaptation.
3Strength
If transmission casing forms integral part of chassis, then structural strength is improved, but space envelope for transmission is severely restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by providing the transmission with an external casing that is separate from the chassis structure, rather than making the transmission casing an integral part of the chassis. This allows the transmission to be positioned in the available space envelope without compromising chassis structural integrity, while still providing the necessary protective enclosure for the transmission components.
Data Source
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AI summary
A continuously variable transmission for an agricultural vehicle, the transmission comprising a transmission casing and transmission components, the components including: an input shaft drivable by a prime mover, first and second output drive shafts for connection to driven wheels of the vehicle, a mechanical transmission branch which transfers torque mechanically from the input shaft to the first and second output shafts, and a further transmission branch having at least one continuously variable motor, wherein the first and second output drive shafts are additionally driven by the at least one motor so as to provide the first and second output drive shafts with continuously variable drive.