Planetary Gear Drive With Self-Activating Dual Output Locking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drive devices require significant control and regulation effort to operate multiple outputs, and there is a need for a space-saving and cost-effective solution that can drive two different outputs with minimal operational effort.

Innovation Solution

A drive device with a self-activating locking mechanism that automatically locks and releases rotational movements of shafts based on their positions, using a planetary gear system with a locking slide and guide tracks to minimize control effort and reduce component count.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If a planetary gear system is used to drive multiple outputs, then power density and torque transmission are improved, but control and regulation effort increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower densityVSAvoidcontrol effort
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism automatically locks and releases shafts based on their rotational positions without external control. The holding elements and guide tracks create a self-regulating system where the mechanism itself determines when locking occurs, eliminating the need for complex control systems while maintaining high power density

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If additional control mechanisms are added to regulate multiple outputs, then operational precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational precisionVSAvoidcomponent count
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The guide tracks provide positional feedback about the rotational positions of the shafts. This feedback automatically triggers the locking mechanism when specific positions are reached, achieving precise operational control without additional sensors or control electronics

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The holding elements act as intermediaries between the shafts and the locking mechanism. They transfer positional information from the rotating shafts to the locking mechanism, enabling precise control through a simple mechanical interface rather than complex control systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Volume of moving object

If a compact planetary gear design is used, then space utilization is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidassembly precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is segmented into separate components (locking slides, holding elements, guide tracks) that can be manufactured independently with standard tolerances and then assembled. This segmentation reduces the overall manufacturing precision requirements compared to a monolithic compact design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4206493B1Drive device having at least one drive unit and having at least one planetary gear
Publication Date: 2025.09.03 VALMET AUTOMOTIVE OY
  • EP4206493B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4206493B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP4206493B1 patent drawingFigure 5a~5b

AI summary

A drive device (6) is described, comprising at least one drive unit (6A) and at least one planetary gear (8) with a first shaft (11), a second shaft (9), and at least one third shaft (10). A drive torque from the drive unit (6A) can be introduced into the planetary gear (8) via the first shaft (11). An output torque can be transmitted from the planetary gear (8) via the second shaft (9) and the third shaft (10). Additionally, a self-activating locking mechanism (15) is provided, by means of which the second shaft (9) and the third shaft (10) of the planetary gear (8) can be alternately locked in rotation, while either the second shaft (9) or the third shaft (10) can be driven rotationally by the drive unit (6A) via the first shaft (11).