Planetary Gear Mechanism with Differential Modules for Compact High Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor-operated valves with planetary gear mechanisms face limitations in achieving high reduction gear ratios without increasing the size of the gear mechanism, which compromises durability and requires all gears to have the same module, restricting the design flexibility and achievable torque.
Innovation Solution
The design introduces a planetary gear mechanism where each planet gear consists of a first gear engaging with an internally toothed fixed and turning gear, and a second gear formed integrally with the first, allowing for a smaller module for the second gear, enhancing the selection of tooth numbers and improving the reduction gear ratio, while maintaining durability by downsizing the sun gear and secondary planet gears.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a high reduction gear ratio is achieved by increasing the size of the planetary gear mechanism, then the torque output is improved, but the overall size of the motor-operated valve increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies different module sizes to different planet gears within the same planetary mechanism. Specifically, the first planet gear has a first module while the second planet gear has a second module that is smaller than the first module. This local differentiation allows the second planet gear to have fewer teeth, enabling a higher reduction gear ratio without proportionally increasing the overall size of the gear mechanism, thus resolving the contradiction between torque output and mechanism size.
2Ease of manufacture
If all planet gears are given the same module for manufacturing simplicity, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the achievable reduction gear ratio is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention differentiates the module size of planet gears based on their functional requirements. The first planet gear uses a larger module for strength, while the second planet gear uses a smaller module to enable higher reduction ratio. This local quality approach allows the system to achieve both manufacturing feasibility and high reduction capability, as each gear's module is optimized for its specific role rather than using a uniform module for all gears.
3Volume of moving object
If the module of planet gears is reduced to achieve compact dimensions, then the size of the gear mechanism is reduced, but the strength and durability of the gears are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention strategically assigns different module sizes to different planet gears based on their load-bearing requirements. The first planet gear, which handles higher loads, uses a larger module for sufficient strength. The second planet gear, which contributes to achieving the reduction ratio, uses a smaller module to reduce overall size. This local differentiation allows the mechanism to maintain adequate strength where needed while achieving compact dimensions overall, resolving the contradiction between size and strength.
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 configuration enables a higher reduction gear ratio and increased torque output without compromising gear strength, allowing for a more compact and durable motor-operated valve with improved valve control precision.
Implementation Method 1
a planetary gear mechanism comprising a sun gear (91), one or more planet gears (93) in engagement with the sun gear (91), an internally toothed fixed gear (44) in engagement with the one or more planet gears (93), and an internally toothed turning gear (45) in engagement with the one or more planet gears (93)
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a planetary gear mechanism achieving a greater reduction gear ratio without increasing the number of teeth of the gears, thereby enabling downsizing. In a planetary gear mechanism 1, a sun gear 91 functioning as an input gear receives smaller load than an internally toothed output gear 45, so gears (secondplanet gears 95) having a smaller module are connected to the planet gears 93, and the sun gear 91 is in engagement with the second planet gears 95. The sun gear 91 is formed of a same module as the second planet gears 95. The rotation of the sun gear 91 is reduced in speed and transmitted to the second planet gears 95, and rotation of the second planet gears 95 rotated at a reduced speed is further reduced by the slight difference in the numbers of teeth of the ring gear 44 and the internally toothed output gear 45 before being output.