Pinion Testing Device Torque Modulation via Movable Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mechanical testing devices for pinions struggle to apply high torque while ensuring the mechanical strength of the pinion and allowing the system to start without torque applied to a motion transmission element support, as they either lack torque modulation or face limitations in applying large torques due to sliding connections.

Innovation Solution

A mechanical test device featuring a crown with internal teeth, a central motion transmission element, and a movable support that can rotate independently to modulate torque, allowing high torque application and system startup without initial torque, using a jack mechanism to adjust the position and leverage for efficient torque distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If coupling by direct torsion of a test device is used, then a closed mechanical loop can be formed, but the torque exerted on the pinion cannot be modulated during rotation and the system cannot start without torque applied

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque modulation capabilityVSAvoidcoupling mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the support carrying the solicitation of the crown movable rather than fixed. This movable support can be rotated around the axis of the crown, dynamically adjusting the position and engagement of the biasing pinion with the crown teeth. This dynamic configuration enables torque modulation during rotation and allows the system to start without initial torque, while maintaining a relatively simple coupling mechanism through the movable support design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Force

If coupling by translation of helical teeth is used, then no-load start is possible, but large torque cannot be applied to the pinion due to sliding connection limitations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque application capabilityVSAvoidsliding connection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The movable support design allows the system to transition from a static sliding connection to a dynamic engagement system. By rotating the movable support around the crown axis, the biasing pinion can engage the crown teeth at optimized positions, converting pure sliding motion into a combination of sliding and rolling contact. This dynamic engagement enables both no-load starting capability and high torque application, improving reliability while maintaining force transmission efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Force

If the mobile support is rotated to increase torque on the pinion, then high torque can be applied, but the mechanical strength of the pinion may be exceeded

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque magnitudeVSAvoidpinion mechanical strength
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The movable support enables dynamic control of torque application to the pinion. By rotating the movable support around the crown axis, the operator can precisely control the engagement position and torque magnitude. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to apply high torque when needed while avoiding excessive loads that would exceed pinion mechanical strength limits, providing flexible and safe torque management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by allowing the movable support to change its angular position around the crown axis. This positional parameter change directly controls the leverage and engagement characteristics of the biasing pinion with the crown, thereby modulating the torque transmitted to the pinion. The ability to vary this geometric parameter enables precise control over force application within safe mechanical limits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2956753B1Device for mechanically testing a pinion between an internal toothset and an external toothset and/or between two external toothsets at an adjustable angle
Publication Date: 2022.03.30 SAFRAN TRANSMISSION SYST
  • EP2956753B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2956753B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2956753B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

Device (1) for mechanically testing a pinion (20) that is to be tested, the device comprising: - an annulus (30) provided with internal teeth (31) and configured to mesh with a pinion (20) that is to be tested, the axis (32) of the annulus (30) being fixed with respect to that (22) of the pinion (20) that is to be tested, - an annulus support (33) on which the annulus (30) is placed, - a central movement‑transmission element (40) configured to have a rotational movement about an axis (42) that is fixed with respect to that of the annulus (30) provided with internal teeth (31), - a pinion (50) for driving the annulus (30) and which is configured to mesh with the internal teeth (31) of the annulus (30), - a mobile support (60) bearing the pinion (50) that drives the annulus (30), - a support (23) for the pinion (20) that is to be tested and which is fixed with respect to the support (33) for the annulus (30), - means (70) for setting the mobile support (60) in rotation about the axis (32) of the annulus (30) while the assembly (2) formed of the pinion (20) that is to be tested, of the annulus (30) provided with internal teeth (31), of the central transmission element (40) and of the pinion (50) that drives the annulus (30) is set in motion.