Modular Epicyclic Gear Assembly for Reconfigurable Torque Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing epicyclic gear systems lack flexibility and versatility in configuring different drive modes and output torques, limiting their applicability and maintenance efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A kit of parts comprising sun gears, planet gears, and ring gears with the same modulus, allowing for interchangeable arrangements to create various epicyclic gear systems with different output torques, facilitated by axial flux motors and modular design for easy assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional epicyclic gear systems are designed with fixed configurations, then manufacturing and assembly are simplified, but flexibility and versatility in configuring different drive modes and output torques are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing gear components with standardized moduli that can function in multiple roles. Sun gears, planet gears, and ring gears are designed with compatible moduli allowing any gear to potentially serve as input, output, or locked component across different drive modes, enabling one set of components to perform multiple functions throughout the system's operational cycles
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the epicyclic gear system into modular components (sun gears, planet gears, ring gears) that can be independently selected and configured. This segmentation allows the system to be divided into functional modules that can be rearranged to create different drive modes, with each component serving as a separate selectable element in the overall system configuration
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different drive modes are provided with different output torques, then versatility is improved, but the number of components and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables multiple drive modes using a limited set of universal gear components. By designing sun gears, planet gears, and ring gears with standardized moduli, the same physical components can be configured into different drive modes (first drive mode with first output torque, second drive mode with second output torque, etc.) without requiring separate dedicated components for each mode, thus achieving versatility with constrained component quantity
3Productivity
If gear components are designed for rapid prototyping and easy maintenance, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent standardizes the modulus parameter across all gear components (sun gears, planet gears, ring gears) to enable interchangeability and rapid reconfiguration. By maintaining consistent modulus values, the system allows quick prototyping and maintenance through component substitution without requiring high-precision custom manufacturing for each configuration, balancing standardization benefits with manufacturing feasibility
Data Source
AI summary
A kit of parts to provide a reconfigurable epicyclic gear system, The kit of parts includes at least one sun gear; a planet carrier; a plurality of sets of planet gears configured to be mounted on the planet carrier and to mesh with the at least one sun gear; and a plurality of ring gears configured to mesh with the plurality of sets of planet gears; wherein the at least one sun gear, the plurality of sets of planet gears and the plurality of ring gears all have the same modulus such that they can be arranged in different configurations that each produce a different output torque.