Planetary Transmission Assembly for Smooth Gear Shifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transmission assemblies for working machines, such as articulated haulers, face limitations in smoothly transitioning between gear conditions and optimizing component placement, leading to inefficiencies and potential maintenance challenges.
Innovation Solution
A transmission assembly with a common ring gear, sun gears, and planet carriers, utilizing fluid-pressure controlled locking mechanisms to achieve seamless gear shifts and compact design, allowing for efficient energy use and easy maintenance, including the use of spring biases and brake discs for locking and braking functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional transmission assembly is used, then gear shifts can be performed, but the transitions between gear conditions are not smooth and require more components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two planetary gear sets into a single transmission assembly with a common ring gear, sun gears, and planet carriers that share common components. This integration reduces the total number of parts while enabling smooth gear transitions through coordinated locking and releasing of planet carriers, resolving the contradiction between operational smoothness and device complexity.
2Volume of moving object
If the transmission assembly is made compact, then space is optimized, but component placement becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested arrangement where planet gears are positioned within planet carriers that rotate around sun gears, all contained within a common ring gear. This nested configuration achieves a compact transmission assembly volume while maintaining manufacturability through standardized component interfaces and systematic spatial organization.
3Reliability
If fluid pressure is continuously applied, then locking mechanisms remain engaged, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic fluid pressure application to locking mechanisms only when gear condition changes are required. During normal operation, the transmission maintains gear conditions through mechanical positioning without continuous fluid pressure, reducing energy consumption while ensuring reliable locking engagement when needed.
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
Enables fast, smooth gear changes with fewer components, achieving a compact and energy-efficient transmission assembly that can function as a parking brake without needing a fluid pressure source, facilitating straightforward maintenance and versatile powertrain arrangement.
Implementation Method 1
a first locking mechanism being adapted to be controlled by a first fluid pressure conducted to the first locking mechanism such that: for at least a first fluid pressure equal to zero overpressure, the first locking mechanism is adapted to assume a locked condition
Implementation Method 2
a second locking mechanism being adapted to be controlled by a second fluid pressure conducted to the second locking mechanism such that: for at least a second fluid pressure equal to zero overpressure, the second locking mechanism is adapted to assume a locked condition
Implementation Method 3
including the use of spring biases and brake discs for locking and braking functions
Implementation Method 4
including the use of spring biases and brake discs for locking and braking functions
Data Source
AI summary
A transmission assembly includes a common ring gear assembly, a first sun gear, a first planet carrier, a second sun gear and a second planet carrier. A set of planet gears of each one of the first and second planet carriers meshing with the common ring gear assembly. The set of planet gears of the first planet carrier meshing with the first sun gear and the set of planet gears of the second planet carrier meshing with the second sun gear. The transmission assembly further includes a transmission housing.The second sun gear is adapted to be connected to a transmission input shaft;the common ring gear assembly is adapted to be connected to a transmission output shaft, andthe second planet carrier and the first sun gear are operatively connected to each other.