Multi-wheel Transmission Segmentation for Torque and Speed Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional wheel transmissions lack the ability to efficiently achieve multi-speed transmissions with adjustable torque and speed, leading to inefficiencies in vehicle performance, particularly in varying terrain and load conditions.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a multi-wheel transmission system using drive gears near the wheel circumference, where each wheel has a different gearing ratio, allowing for independent power and adjustable torque and speed, combined with a scissor-lift mechanism for adjustable vehicle height and a centerless wheel design for reduced friction and improved stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional single-wheel transmission is used, then the structure is simple, but the vehicle cannot achieve multi-speed transmissions with adjustable torque and speed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-speed transmission capabilityVSAvoidtransmission system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transmission system is segmented into multiple independent wheel assemblies, each capable of operating as a separate gear. The first wheel assembly functions as a low gear with high torque, while the second wheel assembly functions as a high gear with lower torque but higher speed. This segmentation eliminates the need for a conventional multi-speed transmission mechanism while achieving multi-speed capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each wheel assembly is designed to be multi-functional, serving both as a driving wheel and as a transmission element. The wheels can independently provide different gear ratios, allowing the vehicle to achieve multiple speeds without requiring a dedicated transmission system. This universal design simplifies the overall structure while maintaining transmission versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a centerless wheel design is used, then friction is reduced and stability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewheel stability and friction reductionVSAvoidcenterless wheel fabrication
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The centerless wheel design uses dynamic balancing and rotational stabilization techniques to maintain wheel stability without a traditional center hub. The exoskeleton structure is designed to naturally balance during rotation, reducing friction and improving reliability while avoiding the need for complex precision manufacturing of a central bearing assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If independently powered wheels with different gear ratios are used, then torque and speed flexibility is enhanced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque and speed adjustmentVSAvoidwheel assembly configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each wheel assembly is customized with specific local qualities - different drive gear sizes and configurations - to provide optimal torque and speed characteristics for its intended function. The first wheel assembly has a drive gear configured for high torque transmission, while the second wheel assembly has a drive gear configured for higher speed operation. This localized optimization achieves versatility without requiring a complex centralized transmission system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

This solution enables a vehicle to achieve multi-speed transmissions with enhanced torque and speed flexibility, improved efficiency, and adjustable height, thereby improving performance and adaptability in diverse conditions.

Implementation Method 1

one or more of the roller guides may operate based on static friction between the roller guide and the centerless rim

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectStatic friction: Static Friction

Data Source

PatentUS10093168B2Multi-wheel transmission
Publication Date: 2018.10.09 ORBIS WHEELS INC
  • US10093168B2 patent drawing
  • US10093168B2 patent drawing
  • US10093168B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure includes a transmission comprising a first wheel assembly including a first wheel, a first drive gear coupled to the first wheel such that driving the first drive gear causes a corresponding rotation of the first wheel, and a first motor coupled to the first drive gear to drive the first drive gear. The transmission also includes a second wheel assembly that includes, a second wheel, a second drive gear coupled to the second wheel such that driving the second drive gear causes a corresponding rotation of the second wheel, and a second motor coupled to the second drive gear to drive the second drive gear.