Planetary Gear Adapter Dual-State Fastening Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing planetary gear systems face inefficiencies and increased costs due to the use of roller bearings, which generate heat and noise, and require additional support elements for secure operation.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a dual-state fastening mechanism that secures the input shaft in a form-fitting, anti-twist and anti-displacement manner during transport and assembly, allowing for a non-positive connection upon activation, eliminating the need for roller bearings and enabling a more compact, cost-effective design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If roller bearings are used to support the adapter shaft, then the planetary gear is independently functional and versatile, but heat and noise are generated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent functionalityVSAvoidheat and noise
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the roller bearing from the system entirely. Instead of supporting the adapter shaft with a bearing that generates heat and noise, the invention uses a dual-state fastening mechanism (positive connection during transport, non-positive connection during operation) that eliminates the need for continuous mechanical support, thereby extracting the harmful bearing component from the system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening mechanism transitions dynamically between two states: a first state with positive connection (form-fitting, anti-twist, axial displacement-proof locking) for transport and assembly, and a second state with non-positive connection for operational use. This dynamic state change allows the system to adapt its support characteristics, providing stability when needed and freedom of motion when operating, without requiring a bearing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If roller bearings and support elements are used, then secure operation is ensured, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure operationVSAvoidadditional support elements
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the functions of support, locking, and connection into a single dual-state fastening mechanism. The fastening means performs multiple functions: it provides form-fitting support, prevents twisting, prevents axial displacement, and enables both transport security and operational freedom, thereby merging what would traditionally require separate bearing and fastening components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening mechanism serves multiple functions across different operational phases: during transport it provides form-fitting locking against twisting and displacement; during assembly it maintains secure positioning; during operation it transitions to a non-positive connection that allows functional movement. This multi-functionality replaces the need for dedicated bearing components.

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

3Stability of the object's composition

If positive connection is used during transport, then shaft positioning is secure, but torque transmission is prevented

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshaft positioningVSAvoidtorque transmission
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening mechanism is designed to dynamically transition between a positive connection state (with form-fitting locking that prevents twisting and displacement) and a non-positive connection state (that allows torque transmission). This dynamic capability enables the same mechanism to provide both stable positioning during transport and functional power transmission during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The positive connection is established in advance during transport and assembly phases to ensure secure shaft positioning. Before torque transmission is needed, the fastening means is in the locked state. The transition to the non-positive connection state occurs precisely when torque transmission is required, ensuring that the preliminary positive connection has already secured proper positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP1915553B1Adapter, planetary gear, drive unit, and method
Publication Date: 2010.01.06 SEW EURODRIVE GMBH & CO KG
  • EP1915553B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1915553B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

Disclosed are a planetary gear which is embodied in a pre-completed manner at the input end, an adapter for such a gear, and methods for assembling such a gear.