Compact Hypoid Gear Drive Assembly for Cover Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cover systems for open-topped containers often exceed regulatory dimensions, projecting outwardly and incursively into valuable space, failing to meet government regulations and optimize packaging dimensions while providing sufficient torque for container cover movement.
Innovation Solution
A compact drive assembly with a hypoid pinion gear, ring gear, transfer gear, and output gear arrangement, integrated within a housing that fits within a three-inch width, utilizing a high-speed motor to achieve the necessary torque and rotation for cover systems, allowing for side-to-side and front-to-back configurations that comply with regulations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a conventional drive mechanism is used to provide sufficient torque for cover movement, then the torque requirement is met, but the mechanism projects outward beyond the three-inch regulatory limit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reconfigures the drive mechanism from a conventional side-mounted arrangement to a front-mounted arrangement on the roller assembly. This dimensional change allows the mechanism to project forward rather than outward, complying with the three-inch side projection regulation while maintaining sufficient torque for cover movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive mechanism is integrated within the roller assembly structure, with the motor and gear train nested within the existing framework. This nesting approach minimizes the overall envelope and ensures the mechanism fits within the regulatory width constraints while providing the necessary driving force.
2Force
If a conventional drive mechanism is used, then sufficient torque is provided, but the envelope depth incurs significantly into the space between truck and trailer
Solution Approach 1:
The drive mechanism is repositioned from a side-mounted configuration to a front-mounted configuration on the roller assembly. This shifts the projection from the lateral dimension to the longitudinal dimension, reducing the envelope depth that incurs into the space between the truck and trailer while maintaining torque output.
3Length of moving object
If the drive mechanism is compacted to meet width regulations, then the width constraint is satisfied, but the torque capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a high-speed motor with a gear reduction system (including a hypoid gear set) to generate the necessary torque within a compact envelope. This mechanical substitution allows the system to meet width regulations while maintaining sufficient torque capability through efficient gear multiplication.
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
The solution enables cover systems to meet government width regulations while providing the necessary torque and minimizing envelope size, allowing for efficient and compliant deployment of container covers.
Implementation Method 1
a hypoid ring gear rotatably supported within the interior space in meshed engagement with the hypoid pinion gear
Implementation Method 2
a transfer gear engaged to the hypoid ring gear for rotation therewith and rotatably supported within the interior space
Implementation Method 3
an output gear in meshed engagement with the transfer gear and rotatably supported within the interior space, and an output shaft engaged to the output gear for rotation therewith
Data Source
AI summary
A drive assembly mounted on a pivot arm for a cover system having a cover supported on an axle for the cover to be wound and unwound, the drive assembly including a housing, a drive motor including a hypoid pinion gear in meshed engagement with a hypoid ring gear, a transfer gear engaged to the hypoid ring gear for rotation therewith, an output gear in meshed engagement with the transfer gear, and an output shaft engaged to the output gear for rotation therewith, the output shaft engaged to the axle to transmit rotation from the drive assembly to the axle. The hypoid ring gear, the transfer gear and the output gear are sized and arranged so that the output gear overlaps the hypoid ring gear, and so that the hypoid pinion gear and the output gear are on the same side of the hypoid ring gear and laterally overlap each other. The hypoid ring gear, the transfer gear and the output gear rotate about mutually parallel axes, and the housing has a height in a direction parallel to the parallel axes of three inches or less.