Two-Chamber Gear Transmission for Self-Driven Pressure Extraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing compressor and vacuum pump systems face issues with pressure build-up in transmission housings due to air leakage, which can lead to lubricant contamination and inefficiencies, particularly in oil-free applications, where external power sources may be required for venturi-based solutions, introducing additional energy consumption and risks.

Innovation Solution

A transmission housing design with two separated chambers and a channel connecting them, where the rotation of gearwheels creates a negative pressure 'gearwind' effect, allowing for automatic extraction of gas and lubricant from the first chamber to the second, maintaining low pressure in the first chamber and eliminating the need for external power sources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If compressed gas is used for extraction via a venturi channel, then oil-air mixture extraction from transmission is achieved, but machine efficiency is reduced due to energy consumption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveextraction reliabilityVSAvoidmachine efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The transmission system extracts oil-air mixture using its own operating parameters (rotating gearwheels creating venturi effect) rather than external compressed gas sources, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating additional energy consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention utilizes pneumatic principles by creating a venturi effect through the rotation of gearwheels within the transmission housing, generating negative pressure to extract oil-air mixture without requiring external gas compression

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Reliability

If external power source is used for extraction, then oil separator function is maintained, but additional energy consumption and failure risk are introduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoil separator reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transmission housing itself generates the extraction force through its rotating gearwheels, eliminating the need for external power sources and reducing system complexity while maintaining reliable oil separation function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention combines the extraction function with the existing transmission components (gearwheels), merging multiple functions into a single integrated system rather than adding separate extraction machinery

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If venturi channel branch is used for extraction, then oil-air mixture is removed from transmission, but branch can be interrupted causing loss of extraction effect

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveextraction continuityVSAvoidbranch connection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The venturi channel is integrated directly into the transmission housing structure, eliminating separate branch connections that could fail or become detached, ensuring continuous extraction operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Stress or pressure

If positive pressure is released into atmosphere, then pressure build-up is prevented, but lubricant contamination of atmosphere and machine occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission pressureVSAvoidlubricant contamination
Core Design Contradiction:
Stress or pressureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention converts the harmful positive pressure build-up into a beneficial extraction force by using negative pressure (venturi effect) to actively pull oil-air mixture out through the oil separator, preventing lubricant release into atmosphere

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The oil separator acts as an intermediary device between the transmission housing and atmosphere, capturing and separating lubricant from the air-oil mixture before any potential release, preventing contamination

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 design maintains optimal pressure differences across seals, prevents lubricant contamination, and enhances efficiency by automatically adapting extraction rates with gearwheel speed, eliminating the need for external power and minimizing energy losses.

Implementation Method 1

the form of the second chamber is such that when the gearwheel in question rotates, a gas flow is created around this gearwheel which causes a negative pressure in the channel by the venturi effect

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVenturi effect: Venturi Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3619432B1Transmission and compressor or vacuum pump provided with such a transmission
Publication Date: 2021.05.05 ATLAS COPCO AIRPOWER NV
  • EP3619432B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3619432B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Transmission between drive shaft (13) and a driven shaft (9), which transmission (4) comprises a housing (10) and at least a driven gearwheel (11) that is mounted on the driven shaft (9) and a drive gearwheel (14) that is mounted on a drive shaft (13), characterised in that the housing (10) comprises two separated chambers (20, 22), i.e. a first-chamber (20') that is connected to the driven shaft (9) and a second chamber (22) which is separate from the first chamber (20), whereby the first chamber (20) is connected via a channel (21) with the second chamber (22), whereby around the drive gearwheel (14) or driven gearwheel (11) the second chamber (22) is formed, whereby the form of the second chamber (22) is such that when the gearwheel in question (11, 14) rotates, a gas flow is created around this gearwheel (11, 14) which causes a negative pressure in the channel (21) by the venturi effect.