Planetary Final Drive Using Multiple Power Sources for High Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power systems for work machines face space constraints and cost issues due to the need for large power-transferring devices, which are restrictive in smaller applications and often unable to deliver the required torque efficiently, especially with electric machines that are costly and unsuitable for high torque applications.
Innovation Solution
A final drive assembly utilizing a plurality of smaller power-transferring devices, such as electric machines or hydraulic motors, coupled to a planetary gearset assembly, which are ideally sized and arranged to satisfy spatial constraints and reduce costs by using lead and return wires instead of expensive three-phase cables, with a controller ensuring coordinated power distribution to achieve the necessary torque and speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a large power-transferring device is used, then the required torque can be delivered, but the space constraints are violated and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single large power-transferring device into multiple smaller power-transferring devices (e.g., multiple electric motors or hydraulic motors). Each smaller device is coupled to a planetary gearset assembly, allowing the system to deliver the required torque through combined output while using compact components that fit within space constraints of smaller work machines.
2Force
If a large power-transferring device is used, then the required torque can be delivered, but the cost increases due to expensive three-phase cables
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power-transferring system into multiple smaller devices, each capable of independent operation. This segmentation allows the use of simpler, less expensive wiring (lead and return wires) for each individual motor rather than requiring expensive three-phase cables for a single large motor, thereby reducing overall system cost while maintaining torque delivery capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs simpler, cheaper wiring solutions (lead and return wires) for each smaller power-transferring device instead of expensive three-phase cables. While individual wires may need replacement, the overall system cost is reduced by using economical components that are easier to manufacture and install.
3Use of energy by moving object
If electric machines are used for high torque applications, then power transfer is efficient, but the cost increases and suitability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the electric power-transferring system into multiple smaller electric motors, each operating within its optimal efficiency range. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high power transfer efficiency through coordinated operation of multiple motors while using more cost-effective, smaller-scale components that are better suited to the actual torque requirements of each individual drive unit.
Data Source
AI summary
A final drive assembly is provided for powering a ground-engaging mechanism of a work machine. The final drive assembly includes a plurality of power-transferring devices each having an output and a planetary gearset assembly including a plurality of planetary inputs and a planetary output. The planetary output is configured to transfer power from the plurality of planetary inputs to the ground-engaging mechanism. Each of the plurality of planetary inputs is coupled to one output of the plurality of power-transferring devices.