Floating Gear Set With Self-Aligning Shaft for Torque Distribution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The fixed structure of double planetary gear mechanisms leads to an unadjustable torque transfer path, hindering effective torque distribution and limiting the torque density of the mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A floating gear set with a self-aligning shaft assembly that allows the two gears to swing radially relative to each other, enabling a changeable torque transmission path and improved torque distribution through a self-aligning member that connects the shaft body with the gears in a position-limited manner.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed double planetary gear structure is used, then the structure is stable and easy to manufacture, but the torque transfer path is unadjustable and torque distribution is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a floating carrier that can dynamically adjust its position and orientation relative to the two planetary gear sets. This dynamic capability allows the torque transfer path to be adjusted based on operating conditions, resolving the contradiction between fixed structure stability and torque path adaptability. The floating carrier moves within a defined space to optimize torque distribution while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the rigid fixed connection between carrier and gears into separate modular components: a floating carrier, planetary gears, and connecting elements. This segmentation allows each component to move and adjust independently, enabling torque path adjustment without compromising overall structural stability or manufacturing simplicity.
2Power
If a fixed double planetary gear structure is used, then the manufacturing is simple, but the torque density is limited due to unadjustable torque distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The floating carrier provides dynamic adjustment capability that optimizes torque distribution between the two planetary gear sets. This dynamic torque distribution increases torque density by ensuring optimal load paths are utilized, while the modular design keeps manufacturing complexity manageable through standardized components and assembly procedures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the gears are allowed to misalign radially, then the torque path can be adjusted for better torque distribution, but the structural stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The floating carrier enables controlled radial misalignment between gears to optimize torque distribution, while the defined movement space and connection structures maintain overall structural stability. The system dynamically balances adaptability and stability by allowing necessary adjustments within controlled parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces radial misalignment as an additional degree of freedom for torque path adjustment. By utilizing the radial dimension for carrier movement, the system achieves torque distribution optimization without compromising axial or tangential structural stability, effectively adding a dimensional aspect to torque management.
Data Source
AI summary
A floating gear set includes a self-aligning shaft assembly and two gears. Two axial ends of the self-aligning shaft assembly are respectively inserted into the two gears, and the self-aligning shaft assembly includes a shaft body and a self-aligning member, where the shaft body is connected with the two gears in a position-limited manner in a circumferential direction through the self-aligning member, and the shaft body swings radially relative to the two gears through the self-aligning member. In the above solution, the self-aligning shaft assembly is configured to swing along a radial direction relative to the two gears, and the two gears are configured to be misaligned with each other in the radial direction and be in a connection state in which the two gears float from each other in the radial direction.