Construction Machine Power Train Clutch Torque Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing power train systems for construction machines, such as motor graders, face challenges in reducing weight due to the large-sized clutch mechanisms required to handle high torque, which complicates weight reduction efforts.
Innovation Solution
The power train incorporates a first and second planetary gear set along with a hydraulic clutch mechanism that allows for the reduction of torque on the clutch, enabling a downsized clutch design with fewer plates, and positions the clutch closer to the drive source, reducing the overall weight and size of the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a large-sized clutch mechanism is used to handle high torque, then the torque transmission capability is improved, but the weight of the apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single-stage clutch mechanism into two separate planetary gear stages, with the clutch mechanism placed only in the first stage. This segmentation allows the clutch to handle only a portion of the total torque, reducing the required clutch size and weight while maintaining overall torque transmission capability through the combined gear reduction of both stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a two-stage planetary gear configuration, adding a temporal/dimensional sequence to torque reduction. Instead of achieving all torque reduction in one stage, the system distributes torque reduction across two sequential stages, allowing the clutch to operate at lower torque levels in the first stage while the second stage provides additional torque multiplication.
2Force
If a large-sized clutch mechanism is used to handle high torque, then the torque transmission capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the torque transmission function across two planetary gear sets, placing the clutch mechanism only in the first stage. This segmentation reduces the torque burden on the clutch, allowing for a simpler clutch design with fewer clutch plates, while the second planetary gear set handles the remaining torque multiplication without requiring additional clutch components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the clutch mechanism from a single complex high-torque application and places it only in the first planetary gear stage. This extraction allows the clutch to be designed for lower torque requirements, reducing its complexity, while the second stage provides additional torque multiplication through pure gear mechanics without involving the clutch.
Data Source
AI summary
A first planetary gear set includes a first sun gear to which power is input from a hydraulic motor. The first planetary gear set includes a first carrier and a first ring gear. The first carrier and the first ring gear are able to rotate in conjunction with rotation of the first sun gear. A second planetary gear set includes a second sun gear configured so as to rotate integrally with the first carrier. A hydraulic clutch mechanism allows or prohibits the rotation of the first ring gear.