Planetary Transmission with Carrier Locking for Variable Speed Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drive arrangements for working machines that require variably adjustable speeds are complex and expensive, leading to significant power loss and reduced efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A transmission design featuring a superimposed motor that can be braked or locked, allowing the planet carrier to be torque-proof connected to the transmission housing, reducing power loss and increasing efficiency by eliminating unnecessary energy supply to the second drive unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a gearbox with mechanical superposition is employed to provide variable gear ratio, then speed variability is achieved, but power loss increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the planet carrier dynamically connectable and disconnectable to the housing through a brake or locking mechanism. This allows the transmission to switch between dynamic states: when the brake/locking mechanism is engaged, the planet carrier is fixed to the housing creating a direct mechanical connection; when disengaged, the planet carrier can rotate freely. This dynamic configuration enables the system to achieve variable speed ratios while minimizing power loss by eliminating continuous mechanical friction from constant engagement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a second drive unit is continuously supplied with energy for speed adjustment, then operational flexibility is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by intermittently engaging and disengaging the brake or locking mechanism on the planet carrier. Instead of continuously supplying energy to the second drive unit, the system periodically switches between fixed and free-rotating states of the planet carrier. This periodic engagement allows the second drive unit to receive energy only when speed adjustment is actually needed, while maintaining operational flexibility through the ability to quickly re-engage the brake/locking mechanism for immediate speed changes.
3Loss of energy
If the brake or locking mechanism is located on the planet carrier shaft, then power loss is reduced and efficiency increased, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the brake or locking mechanism to serve multiple functions simultaneously. The same brake or locking mechanism not only fixes the planet carrier to the housing for direct mechanical connection but also acts as a torque-resistant connection point and enables the switching between different operational modes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function, thereby reducing overall device complexity while achieving power loss reduction and efficiency improvement.
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 design enhances operational flexibility and efficiency by minimizing power loss and enabling adjustable speed operations with reduced complexity and cost.
Implementation Method 1
a brake, by which a moment on the planet carrier (4) can be supported against the gearbox housing (9)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a transmission for a drive assembly of a machine for driving the working machine at a variable speed of rotation having: a first planet gear set (3) to which a first drive unit (18) can be coupled; and a second planet gear set (5) to which the working machine (10) can be coupled, the first planet gear set (3) and the second planet gear set (5) each having planet gears (3a, 3b, 5a, 5b) which are arranged on at least two common planet shafts (11a, 11b) which are mounted in a planet carrier (4); wherein the planet carrier (4) is rotatably mounted in a transmission housing (9) and can be driven by a second drive unit (10). A torque on the planet carrier (4) can be braced against the transmission housing (9) via a brake (20) or locking mechanism or clutch.