Linear Gear Shift Mechanism With Transmission Balls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gear shift mechanisms are structurally complex and bulky, have a narrow gear-changing range, and often jerk during shifting, leading to significant transmission loss.
Innovation Solution
A linear gear shift mechanism featuring a support rotator with movably disposed transmission balls and driving posts, an axial power input and output rotator with inward-tilted surfaces, and a gear shift unit that allows for smooth rotation and wide gear-changing range without jerking, utilizing cylindrical recesses and guiding grooves for efficient lubrication and reduced friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a conventional gear train or gear train with oil duct is used, then gear shifting function is achieved, but the structure becomes intricate and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential gear shifting function from the complex conventional gear train structure. By removing unnecessary components and retaining only the critical elements (support rotator, transmission balls, driving posts, and gear shift unit), the mechanism achieves smooth gear shifting with significantly reduced structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism segments the power transmission function into multiple independent transmission balls arranged in sequence. Each transmission ball acts as an independent transmission element, allowing the system to achieve complex gear ratios through simple rotational movements of individual segments rather than requiring a complex interconnected gear train.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional gear train is used, then gear shifting is achieved, but the gear-changing range becomes narrow
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism employs dynamic adjustment capability where the gear shift unit can rotate driving posts to different angular positions (from radial direction toward axial direction). This dynamic positioning allows continuous variation of transmission ratios, expanding the gear-changing range from fixed discrete ratios to a continuous variable range without adding structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the transmission ratio parameter continuously by adjusting the rotational angle of driving posts. As the driving post rotates from the radial direction toward the axial direction, the effective transmission radius changes, thereby varying the gear ratio. This parameter change approach enables wide gear-changing range coverage without requiring multiple fixed gear sets.
3Loss of energy
If a conventional gear train is used, then power transmission is achieved, but transmission loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional meshing gear mechanical system with a ball-based transmission system. Transmission balls rolling on the support rotator and driving posts eliminate the sliding friction and impact losses inherent in conventional gear meshing. This mechanical substitution reduces transmission loss while maintaining structural simplicity through the use of basic rotational components.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism uses spherical transmission balls instead of toothed gears. The spherical shape allows for rolling contact rather than sliding contact, significantly reducing friction and transmission loss. The curved surface of the balls enables smooth engagement and disengagement with the support rotator and driving posts, minimizing energy loss during gear shifting operations.
4Ease of operation
If a conventional gear train is used, then gear shifting is achieved, but jerking occurs during shifting
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism performs preliminary engagement preparation by allowing transmission balls to be positioned and pre-loaded onto the driving posts before actual power transmission begins. The oil-guiding grooves are pre-configured to guide lubrication to contact surfaces before engagement, ensuring smooth operation from the start of each gear shift without sudden jerks or impacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission balls act as intermediary elements between the support rotator and driving posts. These spherical mediators provide a smooth transition zone that eliminates direct rigid contact between components. The balls can roll and adjust their position gradually during gear shifts, acting as a cushion that prevents jerking while maintaining the simple structural design.
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 mechanism is structurally simple and compact, offering a wide linear gear-changing range with minimal transmission loss and smooth shifting, eliminating jerking during gear changes.
Implementation Method 1
the axial power input rotator and the axial power output rotator are disposed on two opposite sides of the transmission balls to movably clamp the transmission balls between the inward-tilted power input annular surface, the inward-tilted power output annular surface
Implementation Method 2
the axial power input rotator and the axial power output rotator are disposed on two opposite sides of the transmission balls to movably clamp the transmission balls
Implementation Method 3
a first oil-guiding groove is disposed on a circumferential surface of each said driving post
Data Source
AI summary
A linear gear shift mechanism includes a support rotator; transmission balls movably disposed at the support rotator and each provided with a cylindrical recess along radial direction thereof; driving posts with inward ends movably disposed in the cylindrical recesses along the radial direction of the support rotator; a gear shift unit movably connected to outward ends of the driving posts to drive the driving posts to rotate from the radial direction of the support rotator to but not reach the axial direction of the support rotator; an axial power input rotator having an inward-tilted power input annular surface; and an axial power output rotator having an inward-tilted power output annular surface, wherein the axial power input rotator and axial power output rotator flank and movably clamp the transmission balls between the inward-tilted power input annular surface, inward-tilted power output annular surface and outer circumferential surface of the support rotator.