Modular CVT Gearbox Architecture for Harvesting Machine Variants
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity and cost-intensive nature of continuously variable transmissions in agricultural harvesting machines require multiple designs for different performance classes and series, leading to high manufacturing and logistical efforts.
Innovation Solution
A modular system utilizing interchangeable components, such as identical control disks and hollow cylindrical sections, allows for the creation of multiple transmission modules that can cover various speed ranges, simplifying production and flexibility across different series of harvesting machines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If one-piece design of drive shaft and stationary control disc is used, then structural integrity is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the previously one-piece drive shaft and stationary control disc into separate, interchangeable components. The drive shaft is segmented into modular sections that can be combined with different control discs to create various transmission configurations, reducing design complexity while maintaining structural integrity through standardized connection interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates universal modular components that can serve multiple functions across different transmission designs. The standardized drive shaft sections and control discs can be interchanged to accommodate different speed ranges and performance requirements, allowing a single component design to serve multiple series of harvesting machines.
2Reliability
If individually configured CVTs are used for different harvesting machine series, then performance optimization is improved, but manufacturing and logistical effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission system is segmented into modular components that can be independently manufactured and then assembled into different configurations. This allows standardized production of base components while enabling customized performance optimization for different harvesting machine series through selective combination of modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables performance optimization across different series by changing parameters such as the number of control discs, their arrangement, and dimensional specifications rather than redesigning entire transmissions. This allows a single modular platform to serve multiple performance classes.
3Stability of the object's composition
If one-piece design of hollow cylindrical section and control disc is used, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability and manufacturing flexibility decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow cylindrical section and control disc are separated into distinct, interchangeable components. This segmentation maintains structural stability through precise fit-up and connection mechanisms while enabling adaptability by allowing different control discs to be mounted on the same hollow cylindrical section for different transmission configurations.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a modular system comprising at least one continuously variable transmission (31, 31') for driving at least one working element (22) of a harvesting machine (1), wherein the at least one continuously variable transmission (31, 31') comprises the following basic components: a drive disc package (32) and an output disc package (33), each comprising two conical control discs (36a, 36b;37a, 37b), - torque-transmitting components on which the drive disc assembly (32) and the output disc assembly (33) are arranged, wherein the torque-transmitting components each comprise a drive shaft (40, 47), a hub (41, 48) and a hollow cylindrical transmission section (38), - wherein at least one control disc (36b, 37b) of the drive disc assembly (32) and the output disc assembly (33) is arranged axially displaceably on the respective drive shaft (40, 47), wherein at least two transmission modules (30, 30') can be formed by a variation of the basic components, which represent different continuously variable transmissions (31, 31') for a number n of different series of agricultural harvesting machines (1), wherein two of the basic components (36a, 36b, 37a, 37b, 38) are used for guiding and The power transmission components are essentially identical in design.