Multi-Wheel Propulsion Drive for Pitch Error Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing positive-locking drives face challenges in achieving suitable gear ratios and compensating for pitch errors without increasing installation space and torque demands, particularly when transmitting larger torques, leading to potential overloading of individual meshing elements.
Innovation Solution
A drive system with two or more drive wheels, each with tangentially offset engagement elements, is used, allowing independent motor control to compensate for pitch errors and distribute torque evenly across multiple engagement elements, simulating a larger tooth overlap through torque control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the diameter of the drive gear is increased to achieve suitable gear ratio and transmit larger torques, then the torque transmission capability is improved, but the installation space requirements and torque demands on the gearbox significantly increase
Solution Approach 1:
The drive gear is divided into multiple smaller drive wheels (at least two) that are arranged one above the other. Each drive wheel has engagement elements that tangentially offset from each other, allowing them to engage with different sections of the mating gear simultaneously. This segmentation enables the system to transmit larger torques through distributed engagement without requiring a single large drive gear, thus reducing installation space requirements.
2Power
If a single drive gear is used to transmit larger torques, then the gear ratio is improved, but the individual meshing elements cannot compensate for pitch errors, potentially causing overloading
Solution Approach 1:
The drive gear is segmented into multiple drive wheels with tangentially offset engagement elements. This segmentation allows different drive wheels to engage with different sections of the mating gear, enabling independent compensation of pitch errors. If one engagement element encounters a pitch error, other engagement elements can maintain proper engagement, distributing the load and preventing overloading of individual elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement elements of different drive wheels are positioned at different tangential locations (parameter change in spatial distribution). This allows the system to adapt to variations in the mating gear's pitch by having engagement elements at different radial positions engage simultaneously, effectively compensating for pitch errors through the distributed engagement configuration.
3Productivity
If the diameter of the drive gear is increased to engage more teeth simultaneously, then the gear ratio is improved, but the required torque increases, raising demands on the gearbox
Solution Approach 1:
The drive gear is segmented into multiple smaller drive wheels arranged vertically. Each drive wheel engages with a portion of the mating gear's teeth simultaneously. By distributing the engagement across multiple smaller wheels, the system achieves the equivalent of a larger gear ratio without requiring a single large drive gear that would demand excessive torque from the gearbox. The torque is distributed across multiple engagement points.
Data Source
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AI summary
A drive system 1 comprises a drive element 2 and a counter-toothing 3. The drive element 2 has two drive wheels 21, 22 with engagement elements 210, 220, wherein engagement elements 210, 220 of the individual drive wheels 21, 22 always alternately engage with the counter-toothing 3 and at least temporarily at least one engagement element 210, 220 of the at least two drive wheels 21, 22 is in engagement with the counter-toothing 3.