Skid-Steer Gearbox Layout for Compact Regenerative Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drive configurations for skid steered vehicles are not optimized for packaging, leading to increased size and complexity, particularly in handling regenerative steering power.
Innovation Solution
A gearbox design for skid steered vehicles that incorporates a controlled differential, steering input, and propulsion inputs on the same side of the housing, along with gear reduction and change units in a parallel connection, minimizing the overall dimensions and improving maintenance access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a controlled differential with cross-shafts is used to transmit regenerative steering power, then power transmission efficiency is improved, but the assembly size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the cross-shaft component from the power transmission system. Instead of using cross-shafts to transmit regenerative steering power between tracks, the system uses a controlled differential with direct connection to drive outputs, removing the unnecessary intermediate component while maintaining power transmission efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The controlled differential serves multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits propulsion power to both tracks, handles regenerative steering power transmission, and directly connects to drive outputs. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate cross-shafts and reduces overall assembly size
2Productivity
If steering and propulsion inputs are located on opposite sides of the gearbox, then power distribution is optimized, but maintenance access becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the steering input and propulsion inputs to the same side of the gearbox housing. This allows both inputs to be accessed from one location, significantly improving maintenance access while the internal gear arrangement maintains efficient power distribution to both tracks
3Loss of energy
If gear reduction units are positioned outboard of motors, then mechanical efficiency is improved, but packaging space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention nests the gear reduction units within the gearbox housing, integrating them into the existing power transmission structure. The gear reduction units are positioned inside the housing rather than outboard, reducing overall packaging space while maintaining the mechanical efficiency benefits of gear reduction
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 proposed gearbox configuration reduces the width of the drive unit, minimizes packaging size, and simplifies maintenance by centralizing the steering and propulsion inputs, while maintaining mechanical efficiency in power transmission.
Implementation Method 1
a controlled differential positioned between and connecting two drive shafts and being in driveable communication with each drive shaft
Implementation Method 2
a gear reduction unit and optionally a gear change unit in driveable communication with the gearbox outputs
Data Source
AI summary
Gearboxes for a skid steered vehicle including layouts in which all electric propulsion drive motors and electric steering motors are located on one side of the gearbox, and layouts in which the drive inputs of the electric propulsion drive motors are located face to face. Gear change units and gear packaging configurations suitable for such gearboxes.