Load Transfer Member for Equal Torque Sharing in Twin Transfer Shafts

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional transmissions with a single layshaft struggle to achieve equal torque distribution between two transfer shafts due to manufacturing tolerances, leading to uneven load distribution and increased wear.

Innovation Solution

A load distribution device with a rotatable load transfer member that engages the input shaft gears at different locations, allowing for even force transmission between two transfer shafts, featuring circumferential slots and contact pads for sliding contact and reduced wear.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional gearboxes use a single transfer shaft or twin layshaft arrangement, then torque can be transmitted to two transfer shafts, but manufacturing tolerances cause uneven torque distribution between the shafts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque distribution equalityVSAvoidload distribution uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The load transfer member is made rotatable on the input shaft, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position to compensate for manufacturing tolerances. This dynamic adjustment enables equal torque distribution to both transfer shafts despite variations in gear meshing positions, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing precision and load distribution uniformity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the positional parameter of the load transfer member by allowing it to rotate to different angular positions. This parameter change enables the system to adapt to manufacturing tolerances and achieve optimal torque distribution, transforming a static system into one that can self-adjust for equal load sharing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If additional compensating elements are added to achieve equal torque distribution, then torque transmission evenness improves, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque distribution equalityVSAvoidcompensating elements
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The load transfer member serves itself by automatically rotating to the correct position based on the relative positions of the first and second input shaft gears. This self-adjusting mechanism eliminates the need for external compensating elements or complex control systems, achieving equal torque distribution through the inherent dynamics of the system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The rotatable load transfer member acts as an intermediary between the input shaft gears and the transfer shafts. It mediates the torque transmission by adjusting its position to equalize the load distribution, providing a simple yet effective solution without requiring additional complex compensating mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If the load transfer member is rigidly fixed to the input shaft, then structural simplicity is maintained, but uneven torque distribution occurs due to manufacturing tolerances

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidtorque distribution uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The load transfer member is changed from a rigid fixed connection to a rotatable connection on the input shaft. This dynamic capability allows the member to adjust its angular position to compensate for manufacturing tolerances in the gear meshing, thereby achieving uniform torque distribution while maintaining relatively simple structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3341631B1A load distribution device
Publication Date: 2023.12.06 SMART MFG TECH
  • EP3341631B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3341631B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3341631B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A device for transmitting a motive force from a prime mover to two transfer shafts includes;an input shaft having a longitudinal axis, a load transfer member which engages the input shaft and rotates around an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the input shaft and first and second input shaft gears associated with the input shaft. The device further includes a first transfer shaft having a first transfer gear to engage the first input shaft gear and a second transfer shaft having a second transfer gear to engage the second input shaft gear. The first and second input shaft gears engage the load transfer member at different locations thereon,for transmitting the motive force from the input shaft to the first and second transfer shafts.