Modular Gearbox Drive Couplers for Reconfigurable Power Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power transmission systems are difficult to reconfigure and modify, limiting their adaptability to changing requirements and applications.
Innovation Solution
A modular drive apparatus with interchangeable drive couplers and a gear box design that allows for easy configuration and modification, enabling the use of different rotatable power devices and varying gear ratios, facilitating adaptability to various service applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a traditional power transmission system is designed with fixed configuration, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability to different applications deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The power transmission system is divided into modular components including a gear box, drive coupler, and driven device that can be independently selected and assembled. This segmentation allows the system to maintain structural stability through standardized interfaces while achieving adaptability by reconfiguring different module combinations for various applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive coupler is designed as a universal interface component that can connect different gear box configurations to various driven devices. This multi-functionality enables a single drive coupler design to serve multiple applications, resolving the contradiction between maintaining a stable core structure and adapting to diverse service requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a power transmission system is designed for high configurability, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the system into standardized modules with defined interfaces, the patent reduces overall complexity despite high configurability. Each module (gear box, drive coupler, driven device) can be independently designed and manufactured, simplifying the development process while enabling flexible assembly for different applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves configurability through parameter changes rather than structural redesign. By varying parameters such as gear ratios, coupling configurations, and device specifications within standardized module frameworks, the system adapts to different applications without increasing fundamental device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If a power transmission system uses standardized modular components, then ease of reconfiguration is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The standardized interface design creates universal connection points that simplify reconfiguration operations. While these universal interfaces demand high manufacturing precision to ensure proper alignment and power transmission, the precision requirements are concentrated at specific interface points rather than distributed throughout the entire system, making quality control more manageable.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular drive apparatus includes a gear box (16) with a rotatable internal transmission gear (60). The gear box includes a plurality of body openings (44). The openings may be selectively closed by the installation of cover plates (52, 54). With a cover plate removed, a drive coupler (32, 34, 58, 148) may be extended in the respective opening and mounted in operative connection with the gear box. In the mounted position of the drive coupler, an idler gear (72, 172) engages the ring gear of the gear box. Rotatable power devices such as pumps, motors and generators may be operatively rotatably engaged with the drive coupler.