Floating Output Gear Transmission for Seamless Ratio Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional transmissions are limited by fixed gear ratios, leading to inefficient power transfer and increased wear due to step-wise gear changes, and are often too large for incorporation into smaller apparatuses, while continuously variable transmissions suffer from wear and fatigue from changing component arrangements.
Innovation Solution
A variable output transmission with a main input sprocket and a floating output gear on a single axle, controlled by a reference carrier that allows for an infinite range of gear ratios through mechanical or computer-based control systems, eliminating the need for physical component rearrangement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional transmissions employ multiple fixed gears, then a range of speed and torque outputs is provided, but the transmission is limited in ranges of possible output speeds and torques by the number of gear ratios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a continuously variable transmission mechanism where pulley diameters can dynamically adjust during operation. The active pulley's diameter changes continuously based on control signals, enabling seamless transition through an infinite range of gear ratios without being limited by fixed discrete gears, thus providing adaptability without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission system changes the physical parameter of pulley diameter to achieve variable gear ratios. By actively adjusting the diameter of the active pulley between minimum and maximum values, the system continuously varies the transmission ratio, providing a wide range of output speeds and torques without requiring multiple fixed gears
2Ease of operation
If conventional transmissions switch between gears in a step-wise manner, then gear ratio transitions are achieved, but power transfer efficiency is reduced and wear increases due to disengagement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous gear ratio transitions by continuously adjusting the active pulley's diameter during operation. This eliminates the step-wise disengagement and re-engagement of fixed gears, maintaining continuous power transfer through the belt connection and thereby reducing wear and improving power transfer efficiency while achieving the desired gear ratio changes
3Adaptability or versatility
If continuously variable transmissions employ variable diameter pulleys, then seamless transitions through continuous gear ratios are enabled, but component arrangement changes expose the transmission to wear and fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamically adjustable active pulley whose diameter can change continuously during operation. This dynamic adjustment enables seamless transitions through continuous gear ratios while maintaining the belt connection, reducing wear compared to systems that require complete disengagement and reengagement of components
Solution Approach 2:
The continuous adjustment of the active pulley diameter maintains uninterrupted power transfer through the belt connection. This continuity of useful action prevents the wear and fatigue associated with repeated disengagement and reengagement of transmission components, while still achieving continuous gear ratio variation
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional continuously variable transmissions are designed to enable seamless transitions, then continuous gear ratio adjustment is achieved, but the size prohibits incorporation into smaller apparatuses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a compact transmission design where the active pulley is positioned within the frame structure. The belt connects the drive system to the active pulley, which is nested within the available space, allowing continuous variable transmission functionality to be incorporated into smaller apparatuses without sacrificing the continuous gear ratio adjustment capability
Data Source
AI summary
A transmission is described. The transmission employs a main input sprocket configured to be driven by a drive system of the apparatus implementing the transmission. The main input sprocket is disposed on and coupled to a main axle of the transmission. The transmission further includes an output gear that is configured to float on the main axle and is connected to a driven output component of the apparatus implementing the transmission. By floating on the main axle, the output gear can rotate at a rate that differs from a rotational rate of the main input sprocket. To control a rate at which the output gear rotates relative to the main input sprocket, the transmission employs a reference carrier floating on the main axle. A rotational rate of the reference carrier dictates an amount of torsional relief from the main input sprocket to the output gear. A rate at which the reference carrier rotates about the main axle is controlled by a control system of the transmission, which may be implemented as a computer-based control system, a mechanical feedback-based control system, and combinations thereof.