Epicyclic Transmission Module With Axial Gear Ratio Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power transmission mechanisms for industrial valves controlled by electric actuators are complex and require significant effort for manual operation, especially during installation and commissioning, and the long actuator stroke lengthens intervention time when gear reduction is present over the entire stroke.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical power transmission module with an epicyclic gear train that allows for intuitive gear ratio change by axial displacement of the input shaft, featuring a central through bore and complementary splines for coupling, enabling easy switching between reduction and direct coupling configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If gear reduction is present over the entire stroke, then manual operation becomes easier, but intervention time is lengthened due to long actuator stroke
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a movable crown that can change its position between engaged and disengaged states with respect to the planet carrier. This dynamic configuration allows the gear reduction mechanism to be activated only when needed (during high-resistance phases of valve operation), while allowing direct transmission during low-resistance phases, thereby reducing overall intervention time while maintaining ease of operation when required.
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex internal transmission chain modifications are required for gear ratio change, then transmission flexibility is improved, but operator intuitiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the gear ratio change mechanism from the complex internal transmission chain and places it at the input level, where the crown can be independently positioned relative to the planet carrier. This allows operators to change transmission characteristics by simply engaging or disengaging the crown, without needing to understand or modify the complex internal gear train, thereby maintaining adaptability while improving intuitiveness.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a mechanical power transmission module (10) comprising a housing (100) and a plurality of parts forming an epicyclic gear train, one of the inputs/outputs (101) of which is immobilised with respect to the housing, the other two inputs/outputs comprising an input (120) and an output (130, 140), the power being supplied by an input shaft (110) of the module, the input shaft (110) being coupled with the output assembly (130, 140) via the input assembly (120) in a first axial position of the shaft. The input assembly (120) has a through-bore (123) and the output assembly (130, 140) has means (142) for coupling directly to the through-bore (123), which are accessible in a second position achieved by axial translation.