Declutchable Transmission with Sliding Gear for Two-Speed Torque Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing transmission devices require complex alignment of coupling parts, are costly due to numerous components, and suffer from issues like slipping, wear, and limited torque transmission, making them inefficient and expensive.

Innovation Solution

A transmission device with a sliding gear that induces a force towards the shaft axis to uncouple or couple coupling parts, allowing axial movement without alignment, reducing components and simplifying assembly, and enabling two-speed operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If friction discs are used to transmit rotational movement, then the transmission can be achieved, but the cost increases, slipping occurs, and wear is significant

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque transmissionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost and complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the friction-based mechanical transmission system with a positive engagement system using coupling parts with internal sites and corresponding external protrusions. This substitution eliminates slipping and wear associated with friction discs while maintaining torque transmission capability, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and manufacturing ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If alignment of coupling parts is required for gear position change, then engagement can be achieved, but the operation becomes complex and risky during rotation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling engagementVSAvoidgear position change
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling parts are designed with features that automatically align and engage with the internal sites during normal operation. The sliding gear simply needs to move axially to the engagement position, and the coupling parts self-align through their geometric features without requiring precise manual alignment, making the operation simple and safe even during rotation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If a large number of parts are used in the transmission device, then the transmission function can be achieved, but the assembly becomes more difficult and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission functionVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple functions into fewer components. The coupling parts serve both as engagement elements and as alignment features. The sliding gear combines the functions of shifting and actuating the coupling parts. This consolidation reduces the total number of parts while maintaining the transmission function, directly addressing the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If intermediate parts are used between slider and coupling parts, then the transmission mechanism can function, but the device becomes more complex, bulky and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission mechanismVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the intermediate parts from the transmission mechanism. The sliding gear is directly connected to the coupling parts, which in turn engage with the internal sites of the wheels. This direct connection removes unnecessary intermediate components, reducing device size while maintaining the transmission mechanism's reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP4596919A1Decluchable transmission device and agricultural machine comprising such a device
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 KUHN SA
  • EP4596919A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4596919A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4596919A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Device for transmitting rotational movement with primary and secondary shafts, a first transmission element mounted on the first shaft, a second transmission element mounted on the second shaft and kinematically connected to the first transmission element, and a coupling part which makes it possible to kinematically connect the first transmission element to the first shaft, as well as a sliding gear mounted axially movable on the first shaft so as to be able to occupy two positions in which the first shaft transmits or not its rotational movement to the first transmission element, by means of the part, in the first position of the sliding gear, the or each coupling part is subjected to a force directed substantially towards the axis of the first shaft so that the or each coupling part cannot transmit rotational movement between the first shaft and the first transmission element.