Series Reduction Gears Common Joint Unit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing series of reduction gears lack a configuration where both orthogonal and parallel shaft reduction gears can be implemented using common parts, as the orthogonal reducer is typically positioned at the center, limiting the use of parallel shaft reduction devices.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a parallel shaft reduction gear with a motor and a parallel shaft reducer, connected via a first joint unit, and an orthogonal shaft reduction gear that shares the motor, parallel shaft reducer, and a second joint unit with the parallel shaft reduction gear, allowing for common usage of components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the orthogonal reducer is positioned at the center in the series of reduction gears, then the orthogonal shaft reduction gear can be implemented, but the parallel shaft reduction gear cannot be effectively configured

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegear type configurationVSAvoidstructural configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The joint unit is designed with universal functionality to support both orthogonal and parallel shaft reduction gear configurations. By making the joint unit adaptable to different gear arrangements, the same basic structure can serve multiple purposes, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The joint unit incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable elements that allow it to dynamically adapt between orthogonal and parallel shaft configurations. This dynamic capability enables the system to switch between different gear types without requiring completely separate structural designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If different joint units are used for orthogonal and parallel shaft reduction gears, then each gear type can be optimized, but manufacturing costs and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

A single joint unit design is created that can serve both orthogonal and parallel shaft reduction gears. This universal joint unit maintains high connection strength for both configurations while eliminating the need for separate manufacturing processes, thereby reducing costs and simplifying production.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the previously separate joint unit designs for orthogonal and parallel shaft gears into a single unified structure. This consolidation maintains the reliability needed for both applications while significantly reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If multiple specialized components are used for different reduction gear types, then performance can be optimized for each type, but the quantity of parts and manufacturing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing efficiencyVSAvoidnumber of parts
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The joint unit is designed as a universal component that can be used in both orthogonal and parallel shaft reduction gear configurations. This reduces the total number of different part types needed in the system, thereby improving manufacturing efficiency and reducing inventory complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention combines the functions of multiple specialized components into a single joint unit that serves both orthogonal and parallel shaft applications. This merging reduces the quantity of different parts needed while maintaining the productivity benefits of optimized designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9797474B2Series of reduction gears
Publication Date: 2017.10.24 SUMITOMO HEAVY IND LTD
  • US9797474B2 patent drawing
  • US9797474B2 patent drawing
  • US9797474B2 patent drawing

AI summary

In a series of reduction gears including a parallel shaft reduction gear and an orthogonal shaft reduction gear, the parallel shaft reduction gear includes a motor, a parallel shaft reducer, and a first joint unit, and the first joint unit includes a first joint casing which is connected to a motor casing and a parallel shaft reducer casing, and a joint shaft which is connected to a motor shaft and the input shaft of the parallel shaft reducer. The orthogonal shaft reduction gear includes the motor and the parallel shaft reducer which are used in common with the parallel shaft reduction gear, a second joint unit in which a portion or all portions are used in common with the first joint unit, and an orthogonal reducer, and the motor, the second joint unit, the orthogonal reducer, and the parallel shaft reducer are connected to one another in this order.