Multi-stage Transmission with Five Planetary Gear Sets
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to design a vehicular multi-stage transmission that achieves a maximum number of gear-shifting stages using minimal components and a simplified configuration to improve fuel efficiency while reducing noise and maintaining transmission efficiency, as increasing gear-shifting stages leads to increased internal components, higher costs, weight, and decreased efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a vehicular multi-stage transmission with five planetary gear sets and six gear-shifting elements, including clutches and brakes, which allow for selective connections between the gear sets to achieve a gear ratio of twelve forward stages and one reverse stage, reducing the volume package and enhancing fuel efficiency by operating the engine at a low RPM band.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the number of gear-shifting stages is increased to improve fuel efficiency, then fuel efficiency is improved, but the number of internal components increases leading to increased weight, cost, and decreased transmission efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple planetary gear sets (first, second, third, fourth, and fifth planetary gear sets) into a single integrated transmission structure where gear-shifting elements control connections between rotation elements of different planetary gear sets. This merging approach achieves multi-stage gear-shifting functionality while minimizing the number of separate components compared to using independent gear sets for each stage.
Solution Approach 2:
The planetary gear sets serve multiple functions: they provide different gear ratios through various connection configurations, enable both forward and reverse gear operations, and allow for smooth transitions between stages. The same physical components (planetary gears, rotation elements) are used to achieve multiple gear-shifting stages rather than requiring dedicated components for each stage.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the number of gear-shifting stages is increased to improve fuel efficiency, then fuel efficiency is improved, but the weight of the transmission increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple planetary gear sets into a single integrated structure where the same physical components serve multiple gear-shifting stages. By combining the gear sets and using shared rotation elements and gear-shifting elements, the overall transmission weight is minimized while still achieving the desired number of gear stages for improved fuel efficiency.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the number of gear-shifting stages is increased to improve fuel efficiency, then fuel efficiency is improved, but transmission efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated planetary gear set design reduces the number of separate mechanical connections and potential loss points compared to multiple independent gear sets. The direct mechanical connection through shared rotation elements minimizes energy loss during gear transitions.
4Use of energy by moving object
If the number of gear-shifting stages is increased to improve fuel efficiency, then fuel efficiency is improved, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple planetary gear sets into a single manufacturable unit with shared components and standardized connection points. This merging reduces the number of separate manufacturing processes, assembly steps, and quality control checks required, thereby lowering production costs despite achieving multiple gear-shifting stages.
5Use of energy by moving object
If the number of gear-shifting stages is increased to improve fuel efficiency, then fuel efficiency is improved, but the transmission configuration becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple planetary gear sets into a unified configuration where gear-shifting elements control connections between rotation elements of different planetary gear sets. This integrated approach simplifies the overall configuration compared to having separate, independent gear sets for each stage, as the shared components and standardized connection points reduce structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular multi-stage transmission is provided. In particular, the transmission includes an input shaft and an output shaft. A first planetary gear set, a second planetary gear set, a third planetary gear set, a fourth planetary gear set, and a fifth planetary gear set (PG5) are provided and each is disposed between the input shaft and the output shaft to transfer a rotational force and has three rotation elements. Additionally, at least six gear-shifting elements are connected to the rotation elements of the planetary gear sets.