Multi-speed transmission with merged planetary gear sets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multiple speed transmissions face challenges in achieving improved performance, efficiency, responsiveness, and compactness, with a need for reduced size and weight while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A transmission design incorporating three or four planetary gear sets and six torque transmitting mechanisms that selectively engage to provide multiple forward and reverse speed ratios, utilizing interconnecting members and torque transmitting devices to achieve a compact and efficient gear ratio progression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a combination of friction clutches, planetary gear arrangements and fixed interconnections is used to achieve multiple speed ratios, then the transmission can provide multiple forward and reverse speeds, but the size and weight of the transmission increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple planetary gear sets (first, second, and third planetary gear sets) with interconnecting members that directly connect multiple planetary members together. This merging of gear sets and interconnections allows achieving multiple speed ratios (at least ten forward and reverse speeds) while reducing the overall transmission size and weight compared to conventional separate gear arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The interconnecting members serve multiple functions: they directly connect multiple planetary members (sun gears, ring gears, carriers) across different planetary gear sets, enable multiple speed ratio changes, and reduce the need for additional separate clutches and connections. This multi-functionality contributes to compact packaging while maintaining versatile speed ratio capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If more planetary gear sets and torque transmitting mechanisms are added to achieve more speed ratios, then the versatility of the transmission improves, but the complexity of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges three planetary gear sets with interconnecting members that directly connect multiple planetary members (sun gears, ring gears, carriers) across different gear sets. This consolidation approach achieves at least ten forward and reverse speed ratios while managing device complexity through integrated design rather than separate independent mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The six torque transmitting mechanisms are engaged in combinations to provide multiple speed ratios, with each mechanism serving multiple functions across different planetary gear sets. The interconnecting members enable single components to participate in multiple gear ratio configurations, reducing the need for additional dedicated mechanisms for each speed ratio.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional planetary gear arrangements are used to achieve multiple speed ratios, then the transmission can provide gear ratio progression, but the packaging space required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines first, second, and third planetary gear sets with interconnecting members that directly connect multiple planetary members together. This merged configuration provides comprehensive gear ratio progression (at least ten forward and reverse speeds) while achieving compact packaging by eliminating the need for separate, distributed gear arrangements.
Data Source
AI summary
A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, at least three planetary gear sets, a plurality of interconnecting members and six torque transmitting mechanisms. The torque transmitting mechanisms include clutches and brakes that are actuatable in combinations of three to establish at least ten forward gear ratios and at least one reverse gear ratio.