Differential Engine Rotational Power Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rotational power transmission systems face inefficiencies when a load requires power at a rotary speed that does not align with the efficient operation of the power source, often necessitating large differential engines for significant speed conversion ratios, which can be costly and require more powerful motor/generators.

Innovation Solution

A rotational power transmission apparatus incorporating a differential engine with variable speed conversion ratios, one-way bearings, torque converters, and multi-port differentials to provide a wide range of speed conversion ratios using a smaller engine, allowing for efficient power transmission between a power source and a load.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional transmission system is used, then the vehicle can operate on both two-wheel and four-wheel drive, but the system becomes complex and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrive mode adaptabilityVSAvoidtransmission system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transmission system is divided into two independent differential engines: a first differential engine connected to the rear wheels and a second differential engine connected to the front wheels. Each differential engine operates independently, allowing the system to provide two-wheel drive when one engine runs and four-wheel drive when both engines run, without requiring a complex conventional transmission system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each differential engine unit is designed to be multi-functional, capable of operating independently to provide two-wheel drive or working together to provide four-wheel drive. The differential engine assembly serves multiple functions: propulsion, differential gear operation, and independent wheel drive control, eliminating the need for separate transmission components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Power

If a conventional transmission system with differential gear is used, then power can be distributed to wheels, but the system requires many parts and becomes expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower distribution capabilityVSAvoidnumber of parts
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the functions of the differential gear and the wheel drive mechanism into a single integrated differential engine assembly. Each differential engine directly incorporates the differential gear mechanism, eliminating the need for separate transmission shafts, universal joints, and differential cases found in conventional systems. This integration dramatically reduces the number of parts while maintaining full power distribution capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Power

If engine power is transmitted to all four wheels through conventional transmission, then four-wheel drive is achieved, but mechanical losses increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefour-wheel drive powerVSAvoidmechanical losses
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates the intermediate transmission components (transmission shafts, universal joints, differential case, and associated bearings) that cause mechanical losses in conventional four-wheel drive systems. By directly connecting each differential engine to its respective wheels, the system achieves four-wheel drive with minimal mechanical losses between the engine and wheels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP2971863B1Differential engine controlled rotational power transmission apparatus and systems using the same
Publication Date: 2020.11.04 CVET PATENT TECH
  • EP2971863B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2971863B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP2971863B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

A rotational power transmission apparatus is provided including an input coupler having first and second input shafts, a differential engine coupled to the first input shaft and transmitting power to a first output shaft. First and second one-way bearings are coupled to the first output shaft. A first torque converter is coupled to the first one-way bearing, and a second torque converter coupled to the second one-way bearing. An output coupler is coupled to output from the first torque converter, output from the second torque converter and a second output shaft.