Integrated Planetary Gear Driving Force Adjustment Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional driving force adjustment apparatuses are bulky and heavy due to their complex structure, which separates the driving force distribution mechanism from the transmission route, making downsizing difficult and increasing the vehicle's width.
Innovation Solution
A driving force adjustment apparatus that integrates a differential apparatus, an adjusting motor, and a three-element, two-degree-of-freedom planetary gear mechanism, along with multiple gear trains to transmit power efficiently between the driving source, differential case, and wheels, reducing the number of parts and achieving a lightweight, simple structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional driving force adjustment apparatus uses a separate mechanism to adjust driving force distribution, then the driving force adjusting function is achieved, but the size and weight of the apparatus increase and downsizing becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the driving force adjustment mechanism with the driving force transmission route by integrating the planetary gear mechanism into the differential apparatus. The adjusting motor couples to the planetary gear mechanism which is integrated with the differential case, merging two previously separate functions (driving force transmission and driving force adjustment) into a single unified structure. This eliminates the need for separate adjustment mechanisms and reduces overall apparatus weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The differential apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits driving force from the driving source to the wheels while also enabling active adjustment of driving force distribution between left and right wheels through the integrated planetary gear mechanism. The planetary gear mechanism serves both as part of the transmission route and as the adjustment mechanism, achieving multi-functionality in a single structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If two pairs of planetary gear mechanisms are disposed on the vehicle shaft to adjust driving force distribution, then the driving force adjusting function is achieved, but the apparatus is enlarged in the vehicle widthwise direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple planetary gear mechanisms into a single integrated planetary gear mechanism that is coupled to the differential case. Instead of using two separate pairs of planetary gear mechanisms disposed on the vehicle shaft, the invention integrates the planetary gear mechanism within the differential apparatus structure, allowing driving force adjustment without increasing the vehicle widthwise dimension.
Solution Approach 2:
The planetary gear mechanism is nested within the differential apparatus structure, with the planetary gear mechanism and driving shaft being coaxially arranged. This nesting arrangement allows the adjustment mechanism to be contained within the existing transmission space, eliminating the need for additional widthwise space that would be required if separate planetary gear mechanisms were disposed on the vehicle shaft.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a complex structure with multiple planetary gear mechanisms is used, then the driving force adjusting function is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies the overall structure by merging the driving force adjustment mechanism with the driving force transmission route. The integrated planetary gear mechanism eliminates the need for separate adjustment mechanisms, reducing the total number of components and simplifying the device structure while maintaining full driving force adjustment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The differential apparatus with integrated planetary gear mechanism performs multiple functions simultaneously - transmitting driving force and actively adjusting driving force distribution - eliminating the need for separate dedicated adjustment mechanisms. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity by consolidating functions into a single unified structure.
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 solution allows for efficient transmission of driving forces, passive absorption of rotational speed differences, and active adjustment of torque distribution between wheels, enhancing vehicle performance while minimizing size and weight, and suppressing unnecessary rotation losses.
Implementation Method 1
a planetary gear mechanism of three elements and two degree-of-freedom... a first gear train that adjusts a reduction ratio between a second element of the planetary gear mechanism and one of the left shaft and the right shaft
Implementation Method 2
a differential apparatus that interposes a differential gear supported by a differential case between a left shaft and a right shaft of driving wheels... the motor rotates passively in response to the difference between rotational speeds of the left and right wheels upon turning of the vehicle to absorb the rotational speed difference
Implementation Method 3
an adjusting motor that adjusts a driving force difference between the left shaft and the right shaft... a fourth gear train that adjusts a reduction ratio between a third element of the planetary gear mechanism and the adjusting motor and that couples the third element to the adjusting motor
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A
AI summary
A driving force adjustment apparatus includes: a differential apparatus (1) that interposes a differential gear (15) supported by a differential case (17) between a left shaft (12) and a right shaft (13) of driving wheels; a driving source (2) that drives the driving wheels; an adjusting motor (3) that adjusts a driving force difference between the left shaft (12) and the right shaft (13); a planetary gear mechanism (4) of three elements and two degree-of-freedom. The driving force adjustment apparatus further includes a driving shaft (5) that is coupled to a first element of the planetary gear mechanism (4) and that is coaxially arranged with the planetary gear mechanism (4); a first gear train (6) that adjusts a reduction ratio between a second element of the planetary gear mechanism (4) and one of the left shaft (12) and the right shaft (13) and that couples the second element to the one of the left shaft (12) and the right shaft (13); a second gear train (7) that adjusts a reduction ratio between the driving shaft (5) and the differential case (17) of the differential apparatus (1) and that couples the driving shaft (5) to the differential case (17); a third gear train (8) that adjusts a reduction ratio between the driving source (2) and the driving shaft (5) and that couples the driving source (2) to the driving shaft (5); and a fourth gear train (9) that adjusts a reduction ratio between a third element of the planetary gear mechanism (4) and the adjusting motor (3) and that couples the third element to the adjusting motor (3). This allows the driving force adjustment apparatus achieve both traveling function and driving force adjusting function with a simple configuration light in weight.