Planetary Gearbox Freewheel Arrangement for Load-Shifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transmission arrangements in the vehicle sector cannot be shifted under load, requiring complex processes to interrupt the drive train for gear changes, and lack the ability to perform recuperation efficiently, especially when an electric machine is involved.
Innovation Solution
A gear arrangement with a planetary gear setup that includes a ring gear coupled to the output, a sun gear and planet carrier that can be selectively coupled to the input, and the use of freewheels and clutches to enable gear changes and recuperation without active power transmission intervention, allowing for torque transmission in both directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional transmission arrangements are used, then gear changes can be made, but the drive train must be interrupted and the transmission cannot be shifted under load
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission arrangement uses a planetary gear set with dynamically switchable connections between the input shaft and different planetary gear components (sun gear or ring gear) via clutches and freewheels. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the transmission to change gear ratios while continuously transmitting power, eliminating the need to interrupt the drive train during gear changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The planetary gear set serves multiple functions: it provides different gear ratios through selective engagement, enables power flow in both directions (forward and reverse), and supports both driving and recuperation modes. The sun gear and ring gear can both serve as input or output depending on the engagement state of the clutches and freewheels, making the system highly versatile.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional transmission arrangements are used, then power can be transmitted, but recuperation is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission arrangement dynamically reverses the power flow direction by engaging different clutches and freewheels. During recuperation, the planetary gear set allows power to flow from the output shaft back to the input shaft, converting the electric machine into a generator. The clutches and freewheels are engaged in opposite states compared to driving mode, enabling bidirectional power transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own planetary gear set and existing clutches/freewheels to enable both driving and recuperation functions without requiring separate mechanisms. The same mechanical components serve dual purposes by changing their engagement states, allowing the transmission to self-adapt between power transmission and energy recovery modes.
3Ease of operation
If freewheels are used to enable gear changes, then gear shifting is simplified, but power transmission from output to input is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The clutches and freewheels are designed with multi-functionality to handle both driving and recuperation modes. The same clutch can transmit power in either direction depending on its engagement state, and the freewheels are positioned and configured to allow bidirectional power flow when needed while still providing automatic gear changing functionality in driving mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the state of clutches and freewheels based on the operating mode. During driving, freewheels are engaged to enable automatic gear changes. During recuperation, the system switches the engagement state of these same components to allow reverse power flow, making the transmission adaptable to different operational requirements using the same mechanical elements.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a gearbox arrangement (1) comprising a planetary gearbox (2) provided between an inlet (6) and an outlet (7) of the gearbox arrangement (1), a ring gear (3) of the planetary gearbox (2) being coupled to the outlet (7), a sun gear (4) and a planet carrier (5) of the planetary gearbox (2) optionally being couplable to the inlet (6), and the gearbox arrangement (1) comprising a first freewheel (8) and a second freewheel (9), the first freewheel (8) being arranged between the inlet (6) and the planet carrier (5) and the second freewheel (9) being arranged between the sun gear (4) and the ring gear (3).