Modular Multi-Engine Gear Layout for Flexible Torque Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-engine systems lack flexibility and configurability in assembling and arranging multiple engines, leading to inefficiencies in torque transmission and spatial arrangement, which limits their adaptability and performance.
Innovation Solution
A modular multi-engine system comprising a main Attachable Module and peripheral Attachable Modules, with rotatable members and frame housings that allow for instant attachment and configuration, enabling flexible assembly and torque transfer through a network of gears and drive shafts, allowing for varying spatial arrangements and torque adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional multi-engine systems use fixed radial arrangements with separate transmission members for each engine, then the structural stability is maintained, but the adaptability and flexibility of assembly configuration are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into modular engine units, each with its own frame housing that can be independently assembled and configured. This segmentation allows flexible arrangement of multiple engines without requiring a fixed overall structure, directly addressing the adaptability issue while managing complexity through standardization of modules
Solution Approach 2:
The frame housing serves multiple functions: it houses the engine, provides structural support, enables attachment to other frame housings, and positions the rotatable members. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, improving adaptability without proportionally increasing device complexity
2Device complexity
If separate transmission members are used for each engine to drive the common shaft, then the reliability of power transmission is ensured, but the device complexity and spatial requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple rotatable members from different engine units are combined to directly drive the common output shaft. This merging approach eliminates the need for separate transmission members (gears, belts, or chains) for each engine, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable power transmission through direct mechanical coupling
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate transmission members (gears, belts, chains) are extracted from the system and replaced with direct connection of rotatable members to the common shaft. This removal of unnecessary components simplifies the overall system while preserving the essential function of power transmission
3Ease of operation
If engines are arranged in fixed radial circumferential spacing, then the structural stability is maintained, but the ease of assembly and accessibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a fixed rigid arrangement to a dynamic modular configuration where frame housings can be attached and detached in various arrangements. This dynamic approach allows engines to be positioned according to accessibility requirements while maintaining structural stability through the connecting frame housings and common output shaft
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple rotatable members are positioned at different locations along the engine axis, then the adaptability of spatial arrangement is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable members are segmented and positioned at different axial locations within the frame housing, allowing each engine unit to contribute power from different positions. This segmentation enables flexible spatial arrangement of the overall system while keeping individual module complexity manageable through standardization
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 modular system enables flexible configuration of multiple engines, efficient torque transfer, and adaptable spatial arrangements, enhancing the performance and versatility of multi-engine clusters by allowing for changes in module number, arrangement, and torque transmission ratios.
Implementation Method 1
transfer torque from all the engines operable in said modular multi-engine system to an output drive shaft
Implementation Method 2
each one of said at least two rotatable members of said main Attachable Module and each one of said at least one rotatable member of said peripheral Attachable Module engage at least one other adjacent rotatable member
Data Source
AI summary
A modular multi-engine system having a plurality of engines and a plurality of gear units each gear unit having at least one rotatable member and a drive shaft being driven by one of the plurality of engines, where at least one of the gear units is a main gear and the other peripheral gear unit(s). Each rotatable member of each gear unit engages at least one other rotatable member of an adjacent gear unit such as to ultimately transfer torque from all the engines operable in said modular multiengine system to an output drive shaft connected to said main gear unit. The rotatable member of at least one of the peripheral gear units is located at a different height than at least one other cogwheel of another gear unit. The main gear unit includes an upper rotatable member and a lower rotatable member coaxially connected.