Hydromechanical Gearbox with Optimized Torque Converter Blades
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydromechanical automatic gearboxes in vehicles suffer from low efficiency, large dimensions, and reduced reliability, which limits vehicle maneuverability and stability due to high engine power losses and complex designs.
Innovation Solution
The gearbox design features a central gear with hydraulic torque converters having optimized centrifugal pump and turbine blades, a common gear reducer, and an air exhaust system to reduce dimensions and enhance efficiency, allowing for separate speed control of multiple movers and efficient idle torque converter shutdown.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional hydraulic torque converters are used with standard blade angles and dimensions, then the gearbox can handle high torque loads, but the engine power losses increase and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the blade angles of the pump centrifugal wheel (122°-135°) and turbine centrifugal wheel (110°-120°), adjusting the diameter ratios (D2P/D1P = 1.4-1.9 and D2T/D1T = 1.1-1.3), and modifying the transmission ratio parameters based on engine capacity to minimize hydromechanical losses and maximize efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics through variable reactor blades that can rotate to different positions (predefined angles) to adapt to different operating conditions, and a control unit that dynamically adjusts the reactor blade positions and selects optimal transmission ratios based on real-time vehicle operation parameters
2Device complexity
If a single large gearbox is used to operate all vehicle movers, then the design is simplified, but the vehicle maneuverability and stability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the vehicle's drive system into multiple independent gearboxes, each connected to specific movers (wheels, screws, tracks), allowing separate control of each mover's speed and torque, thereby enabling differential drive modes for enhanced maneuverability and stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing identical or similar gearbox units that can be used across different vehicle configurations and mover types, with each gearbox capable of operating in various drive modes (forward, reverse, differential speed) to serve multiple functional requirements
3Reliability
If jet pumps are used to drop idle hydraulic torque converters, then the torque converters can be switched off, but the engine power losses occur for operating the jet pump
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical jet pump system with a hydraulic closure mechanism that uses spring force and hydraulic pressure to automatically close and isolate idle torque converters, eliminating the need for continuous pump operation and reducing energy losses
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service through an automatic control system that uses sensors and control units to monitor torque converter operation status and automatically activates closure mechanisms (springs, hydraulic valves) to isolate idle converters without requiring external pump assistance
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 increases gearbox efficiency by 10%, reduces dimensions, and enhances vehicle maneuverability and stability, enabling new generation vehicles with improved reliability and control capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
hydraulic torque converter with centrifugal wheels of a pump and a turbine forming a flow path of pressure fluid
Implementation Method 2
torque transmission from the engine shaft to vehicle movers (in this case wheels) is performed in different drive modes when starting, moving forward and back at low speed due to the hydraulic torque converter
Implementation Method 3
many epicyclical gears and gear drives activated and deactivated automatically in a given sequence by friction clutches and friction brake bands
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to automatic hydrodynamic transmissions and to vehicles which use such transmissions. The claimed vehicle contains a transmission, and an automatic gear shifting unit, which is connected to a working fluid feed pump. The transmission contains an input shaft from the engine, toothed gear sets to each gear step, and a torque converter. A torque converter contains: a pump and a turbine, which are located on the input shaft and the output shaft of the torque converter, respectively, and form a working fluid circulatory system; and also rotating reactor vanes, which are situated in the circulatory system. Furthermore, in the transmission, toothed gear sets are mounted on the input shaft from the engine and are configured in the form of a central gear that meshes with gears of different gear steps having different diameters and being mounted on the input shaft of one torque converter, wherein each converter is electronically and hydraulically connected to the automatic gear shifting unit of the vehicle. The output shaft of the transmission is connected to one of the propulsors, which are in the form of wheels or propellers or caterpillar tracks.