Offset Final Transmission for Low-Profile Vehicles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing final transmission systems for industrial and agricultural vehicles are ineffective in vehicles with restricted vertical dimensions, particularly in orchards and vineyards, where a low motor position is required, leading to inadequate traction due to small wheel sizes and excessive loads on bearings.

Innovation Solution

A final transmission system with a structure that allows for the use of larger wheels by offsetting the output shaft and using a planetary gear train with a toothed output wheel, intermediate wheel, and support wheel, which distributes torque and reduces bearing loads, enabling flexible positioning and reduced bearing requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of stationary object

If the motor is positioned in the lowest possible position to reduce vertical dimensions, then the vertical dimensions of the vehicle are reduced, but small wheels must be used which provide poor traction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevertical dimensionsVSAvoidtraction
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a non-coaxial arrangement where the output shaft is offset from the axis of the driving wheels, creating a dimensional transformation that allows power transmission from a low-positioned motor to larger-diameter wheels. This spatial reconfiguration enables the motor to remain in the lowest possible position while still driving wheels of optimal size for traction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs an intermediate transmission mechanism comprising a toothed output wheel on the offset shaft that engages with the driving wheels. This intermediary gear system acts as a mediator between the low-positioned output shaft and the larger driving wheels, enabling power transmission while maintaining both the low motor position and large wheel diameter for adequate traction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Length of stationary object

If small wheels are used to accommodate low motor positioning, then vertical dimensions are reduced, but the power output of the motor cannot be fully utilized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevertical dimensionsVSAvoidpower output
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

By offsetting the output shaft from the wheel axis and using a different dimensional configuration rather than coaxial alignment, the system enables larger wheels to be used despite the low motor position. This allows the full power output of the motor to be transmitted through the intermediate gear mechanism to the larger wheels, maximizing traction and power utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Length of moving object

If the output shaft is offset from the axis of the driving wheels, then larger wheels can be used, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewheel sizeVSAvoidtransmission structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the transmission system into distinct functional components: an offset output shaft, an intermediate toothed gear wheel, and the driving wheels. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall design by breaking down the complex non-coaxial power transmission into manageable, modular elements that are easier to manufacture and maintain.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 optimal performance in vehicles with reduced vertical dimensions while maintaining traction and reducing the size and material usage of transmission components, allowing for efficient power delivery and flexible torque orientation.

Implementation Method 1

a planetary gear train with a toothed output wheel, intermediate wheel, and support wheel, which distributes torque

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPlanetary gear mechanism: Epicyclic Gearing

Implementation Method 2

a toothed output wheel, intermediate wheel, and support wheel, which distributes torque

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGear meshing: Gear

Data Source

PatentEP3317135B1Final transmission for agricultural and industrial motor vehicles
Publication Date: 2020.09.23 CARRARO
  • EP3317135B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3317135B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3317135B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A final transmission for agricultural and industrial motor vehicles comprises a differential unit comprising a support structure and a differential that transmits an input motion to an intermediate transmission shaft and a transfer unit comprising a final shaft that transmits the motion to the driving wheel. The final transmission further comprises a toothed output wheel integral to the intermediate transmission shaft which engages respectively with an internally toothed crown wheel and with an intermediate toothed wheel, and further comprises at least one toothed support wheel which engages with the internally toothed crown wheel and with the intermediate toothed wheel.