Planetary Transmission Layout for Bearing-Free Torque Split
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transmissions for motor vehicles, particularly those with integrated differentials, face challenges in efficiently converting and distributing torque while minimizing power losses and axial forces, often requiring separate bearings that increase complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A transmission design featuring two planetary gearsets with a shaft connecting elements for conjoint rotation, where the shaft is axially positioned on planet gears, eliminating the need for separate bearings and allowing for direct compensation of vibrational forces, thus reducing acoustic excitations and power losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate bearings are used to support the shaft connecting planetary gearsets, then the shaft can be properly supported, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the function of separate bearings into the planet gears themselves. The planet gears are positioned to directly support the shaft connecting the first and second planetary gearsets, eliminating the need for additional bearing components. This integration reduces device complexity while maintaining proper shaft support through the inherent structural design of the planet gears.
2Reliability
If separate bearings are used to support the shaft, then the shaft can be properly supported, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the support function into the existing planet gears, the patent reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled. This integration lowers manufacturing costs by eliminating separate bearing components and simplifying the assembly process, while still achieving reliable shaft support.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the shaft is positioned axially on planet gears, then vibrational forces can be directly compensated, but the shaft positioning becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful vibrational forces into a beneficial positioning mechanism. By axially positioning the shaft on the planet gears, the vibrational forces and axial loads are directly absorbed and compensated by the planet gears themselves. This transforms what would be harmful vibrations into a self-compensating mechanism that simplifies the overall positioning system.
4Reliability
If conventional bearings are used, then power losses occur in the bearing, but the shaft can be supported
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the support function into the planet gears, the patent eliminates separate bearing components that would generate power losses. The planet gears, which are already part of the power transmission system, directly support the shaft without introducing additional friction and energy losses associated with separate bearing components.
Data Source
AI summary
A transmission may include an input shaft, a first output shaft, a second output shaft, a first planetary gearset, and a second planetary gearset connected to the first planetary gearset, where the planetary gearsets each comprise numerous elements. The input shaft, the two output shafts, the planetary gearsets, and their elements may be arranged and designed such that a torque input via the input shaft is converted and distributed in a defined ratio to the two output shafts, and the formation of a combined torque is prevented. At least a third element of the first planetary gearset may be connected to a first element of the second planetary gearset via a shaft for conjoint rotation.