Motorized gear and coupling system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gear systems require separate couplings for shafts attached to worm and planetary gears, which can be cumbersome and limit flexibility in accommodating shafts of different sizes and shapes, especially in applications where remote control is necessary, such as HVAC systems.
Innovation Solution
A motorized gear and coupling system that integrates a worm coupling with the worm gear's axle and a planetary coupling with the planetary gear, allowing for flexible attachment of shafts of varying sizes and shapes, with a motor and controller for remote operation, eliminating the need for separate couplings and enabling efficient rotation control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate couplings are used for shafts attached to worm and planetary gears, then the shafts can be attached to the gears, but the system becomes cumbersome and flexibility in accommodating shafts of different sizes and shapes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the coupling and the gear into a single integrated unit. The coupling is formed as one piece with the gear body, eliminating the need for separate coupling components. This integration allows the gear to directly accommodate shafts of different sizes and shapes through the coupling's internal features (such as keyways, splines, or bore variations) while reducing the overall number of parts and assembly steps, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity
2Ease of operation
If separate couplings are used for shafts attached to worm and planetary gears, then the shafts can be attached to the gears, but the installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the coupling with the gear body, the patent eliminates the need for separate coupling installation steps. The shaft can be directly attached to the gear's integrated coupling features during gear installation, simplifying the overall installation process. This merger reduces the number of assembly operations required while maintaining ease of shaft attachment, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity
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 system provides a compact, flexible, and efficient means to translate rotational motion between shafts, accommodating different shaft sizes and shapes, and allows for remote control of dampers in HVAC systems, enhancing airflow management with precise control and reduced installation complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a motor, and a means for controlling the motor
Data Source
AI summary
A system for controlling airflow in a plenum, that comprises a worm gear and planetary gear that are removably coupled to a worm shaft and planetary shaft, respectively. The planetary shaft controls the movement of a damper between an open position permitting maximum airflow through the plenum, and a closed position restricting airflow through the plenum. A motor or gear-motor is positioned at the plenum for driving the worm shaft. The motor is controlled by a remotely located controller that includes a power supply for operating the motor and that has a display providing a continuous indication of the position of the damper between the open and closed positions. The controller is connected to the motor through a cable with a detachable electrical connection between the cable and the controller, such as a jack and plug. A wall plate for housing the electrical connection is mounted on a wall or other structure. The wall plate has a first plate for housing the jack and a second plate with a flexible flange for removably securing the jack in the housing by snap fit insertion.