Reversible Variable Transmission Using Planetary Variators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gearboxes and transmissions fail to achieve optimal engine efficiency due to insufficient torque ratios, leading to increased fuel consumption and energy loss, particularly during changes in throttle position and speed, and are often heavy, costly, and inefficient, with limitations in reversing and low-speed operations.
Innovation Solution
A reversible variable transmission system utilizing Planetary Variators with a ring wheel, sun wheel, and planets, featuring a tractrix curve design for continuous ratio adjustment, high contact pressures, and a hydraulic or pneumatic control system to optimize engine efficiency and reduce energy loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If current gearboxes use fixed ratio steps, then the structure is simple, but the engine cannot operate at optimal efficiency point across all speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a continuously variable transmission (CVT) mechanism that replaces fixed gear ratios with dynamically adjustable ratios. The planetary variator system allows continuous variation of the transmission ratio through axial movement of the central shaft, enabling the engine to operate at its optimal efficiency point across the entire operating range, thus resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and energy efficiency.
2Force
If slipping clutch or torque converter is used for drive away, then the transmission can provide infinite torque ratio, but a lot of energy is dissipated during launch
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the slipping clutch or torque converter mechanism with a planetary variator system that achieves infinite torque ratio through mechanical advantage of the planetary gear arrangement. The central shaft can be positioned axially to create any desired ratio from zero to infinite without slipping, eliminating energy dissipation while maintaining the ability to provide unlimited torque multiplication for drive away.
3Use of energy by moving object
If more gears are added to improve fuel economy, then the fuel consumption decreases, but the cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single planetary variator system that performs the function of multiple fixed gears, providing continuous ratio adjustment from zero to infinite. This universal mechanism replaces the need for multiple discrete gear sets, achieving the same fuel economy benefits without increasing the number of components, thus reducing complexity and cost while maintaining energy efficiency.
4Reliability
If conventional transmissions are used, then the system is proven reliable, but reversing and low-speed operations are inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The planetary variator system enables dynamic control of the transmission ratio, allowing the central shaft to be positioned axially to achieve any desired ratio including reverse ratios. The continuous variability allows smooth transition through zero to infinite ratios in both forward and reverse directions without energy loss, while the proven planetary gear mechanism ensures system reliability.
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
The system achieves a high efficiency of 96-99% by maintaining optimal engine speed and torque, reducing fuel consumption by 15-20%, eliminating the need for slipping components, and enabling smooth, efficient operation at low speeds and reversing without energy loss.
Implementation Method 1
the ring wheel is an axisymmetric body around the central axis with a rolling surface shaped according the tractrix curve... the planets consist of a planet wheel (5) with basically a conical rolling surface... mounted freely rotational around a planet fork (4)... the ring wheel, planets and sun wheel are squeezed against each other so that the rolling surfaces are in contact with each other
Implementation Method 2
a hydraulic or pneumatic control system to optimize engine efficiency
Implementation Method 3
a hydraulic or pneumatic control system to optimize engine efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a new type of reversible variable transmission for vehicles such as cars, busses, trucks, off-road vehicles, lift trucks, telescopic boom handlers and the like. Alternatively, the gearbox can be used in systems such as windmills etc. and other industrial applications that require power to be transferred at variable speeds.