Compact Mowing Sickle Drive Unit with Step-Down Gear
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drive units for oscillatingly driven mowing sickles require large space and are not suitable for high power requirements, especially when hydraulic motors are used, as they are bulky and only suitable for low rotational speeds.
Innovation Solution
A drive unit comprising a first transmission unit with a rotor and internal gear wheel, and a second transmission unit acting as a step-down gear, which reduces high rotational speeds from fast-running motors to lower speeds, allowing for a compact design and integration of motors directly into the unit, using lubricating grease for reduced maintenance and space efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If hydraulic motors are used to drive the transmission unit, then the drive unit can handle high power requirements, but the construction size becomes bulky and space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional hydraulic motor with an electric motor directly coupled to the transmission unit. This substitution eliminates the need for bulky hydraulic components while maintaining high power handling capability. The electric motor is compact and can be directly integrated with the transmission unit, significantly reducing the overall construction size and space requirements of the drive unit.
2Power
If hydraulic motors are used, then high power can be delivered, but the rotational speed is limited to low speeds due to high consumption volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the transmission unit by using an electric motor that operates at higher rotational speeds compared to hydraulic motors. The transmission unit is designed to accommodate these higher speeds while maintaining the necessary torque output. This parameter change enables the drive unit to achieve both high power delivery and high rotational speed, eliminating the speed limitation inherent in hydraulic motor systems.
3Volume of stationary object
If a single transmission unit is used with high-speed motors, then space can be reduced, but the motor construction volume increases for high power requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the drive system into two functional parts: a compact high-speed electric motor and a transmission unit that handles the power conversion and speed reduction. This segmentation allows the motor to be small and compact while the transmission unit is optimized for power delivery. The motor does not need to be large to handle high power requirements, as the transmission unit assists in delivering the necessary torque to the mowing sickle.
4Power
If hydraulic motors with extensive hydraulic systems are used, then high power can be achieved, but the device complexity and space requirement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex hydraulic system with a simpler electric motor system. The electric motor eliminates the need for hydraulic fluid, pumps, valves, and associated control mechanisms. This substitution significantly reduces device complexity while maintaining high power capability. The electric motor can be directly coupled to the transmission unit, eliminating the need for extensive hydraulic piping and components, thereby simplifying the overall drive unit design.
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
Enables the use of smaller, high-power motors with reduced power consumption, saving space and allowing direct integration into the drive unit, while maintaining efficient operation and reducing the need for separate lubrication seals and cooling systems.
Implementation Method 1
A second transmission unit is non-rotationally connected to the rotor of the first transmission unit. The second transmission unit is formed as a step-down gear. The rotational speed is reduced by the second transmission unit, formed as a step-down gear, to the rotational driving speed of the first transmission unit.
Implementation Method 2
The transmission unit converts the rotational movement directly into a reciprocating movement. A toothed pinion gear wheel is rotationally supported around a second axis on the rotor itself. The toothed pinion gear forms the driving element of the transmission and meshes with the internally toothed gear wheel.
Implementation Method 3
using lubricating grease for reduced maintenance and space efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
A drive unit for oscillatingly driven mowing sickles has a first transmission unit {1} with a first housing (5) defining a first axis (6). A rotor (7) is rotationally supported in the first housing (5) around the first axis (6). A first internal gear wheel (10) is fixed in the first housing (5) and provided with internal teeth. A toothed pinion (14) is rotationally supported in the rotor (7) around a second axis (12). The second axis (12) is radially off-set to the first axis (6). The toothed pinion (14) forms the output element of the drive unit and meshes with the first internal gear wheel (10). A second transmission unit (2) has an output (34) non-rotationally connected to the rotor (7) of the first transmission unit (1). The second transmission unit (2) is formed as a step-down gear. A motor (4), with an output shaft (45), rotationally drives the second transmission unit (2). The rotational speed N1 is reduced by the second transmission unit (2), formed as a step-down gear, to the rotational driving speed N2 of the first transmission unit (1).