Differential Gear Power Generator for Single-Axle Drive Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electric power generating devices, when a blade is disposed on one axle, the lack of driving force input from the other axle results in the second axle spinning free, preventing the transmission of driving force to the motor and thus inhibiting electric power generation.
Innovation Solution
The electric power generating device incorporates a differential gear mechanism with a first ring gear connected to a generator, a pinion shaft, and drive shafts with interference portions that ensure the second drive shaft rotates integrally with the case, allowing driving force to be transmitted effectively to the generator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a blade is disposed on one axle of the vehicle transaxle, then the structure is simplified, but the other axle spins free and driving force cannot be transmitted to the generator
Solution Approach 1:
The differential gear mechanism acts as an intermediary between the two axles and the generator. It includes a first ring gear connected to the generator, pinion gears on a pinion shaft, and side gears connected to respective drive shafts. When driving force is input from one axle, the differential mechanism transmits it to the generator through the ring gear while allowing the other axle to spin freely without compromising power generation reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The differential gear mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits driving force from either axle to the generator, allows one axle to spin free when only one is driven, and maintains reliable power transmission in single-axle operation mode. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between structural simplicity and reliable driving force transmission
2Device complexity
If the second drive shaft is not constrained, then the structure is simpler, but the drive shaft spins free and cannot transmit driving force to the generator
Solution Approach 1:
The differential gear mechanism serves as an intermediary that connects the second drive shaft to the power transmission path. Through the pinion gears and side gears, it ensures that when driving force is input from one axle, the second drive shaft is rotated integrally with the case, allowing driving force to be transmitted to the generator without adding complex constraint structures
Solution Approach 2:
The differential gear mechanism merges the rotation of the case with the rotation of the second drive shaft through the pinion and side gear engagement. This integration ensures that the second drive shaft rotates integrally with the case when driving force is applied, combining the motion transmission function with the differential mechanism itself rather than requiring separate constraint structures
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 configuration enables the effective transmission of driving force from the blade to the generator, allowing electric power to be generated even when driving force is input from only one axle.
Implementation Method 1
a blade that rotates under a flow of a fluid
Implementation Method 2
a first generator that generates power by rotation of the blade
Implementation Method 3
a differential gear mechanism provided between the blade and the first generator
Data Source
AI summary
The electric power generating device includes a first generator, a differential gear mechanism provided between a blade and the first generator, a first ring gear connected to the first generator, and a case that rotates integrally with the first ring gear about a first axis. The differential gear mechanism includes a pinion shaft that rotatably supports a pair of pinion gears about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. The differential gear mechanism includes a first drive shaft having a first side gear at one end and a blade connected to the other end. The differential gear mechanism comprises a second drive shaft having a second side gear at one end and having an interference portion at one end extending toward the pinion shaft. The interference portion faces the pinion shaft in a direction of a third axis that is orthogonal to the first axis and the second axis.