Speed Change Transmission Device with Planetary Mechanisms

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional speed change transmission apparatuses require numerous planetary transmission mechanisms and clutches, leading to construction complexities and inefficiencies, particularly in achieving multiple speed ranges and stepless speed changes.

Innovation Solution

A speed change transmission apparatus utilizing a stepless speed change device, a planetary transmission section with multiple planetary mechanisms, and a clutch section with only two clutches, along with an auxiliary speed change device for additional speed adjustments, allowing for efficient power transmission across multiple speed ranges with smooth speed changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional speed change transmission apparatus uses multiple planetary transmission mechanisms and clutches to achieve multiple speed ranges and stepless speed changes, then the speed change capability and adaptability are improved, but the device complexity and construction difficulty increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeed change capabilityVSAvoidconstruction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple planetary transmission mechanisms into a single integrated planetary mechanism that can provide multiple speed ranges through different engagement configurations. The clutch mechanisms are merged to control multiple planetary gearsets simultaneously, reducing the total number of independent components while maintaining the capability to achieve various speed changes and stepless speed adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The planetary transmission mechanism is designed to serve multiple functions: it can operate in different speed ranges, enable stepless speed changes, and provide both geared and non-geared speed changes. The clutch section is designed to control multiple planetary gearsets with a reduced number of clutches, making each clutch component perform multiple control functions across different operating modes.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional speed change transmission apparatus uses numerous clutches to control multiple planetary transmission mechanisms, then the speed range control and operational flexibility are improved, but the manufacturing cost and assembly difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the control functions of multiple clutches into a reduced set of clutch mechanisms that can simultaneously control multiple planetary gearsets. This consolidation reduces the number of clutch components that need to be manufactured and assembled, while the clutch mechanisms are designed to engage and disengage multiple gearsets through mechanical linkages or hydraulic systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediary mechanical linkages or hydraulic systems that connect the clutch mechanisms to multiple planetary gearsets. These intermediaries allow a single clutch actuation to control multiple gear engagement points, reducing the number of direct clutch-gearset connections needed while maintaining operational flexibility across different speed ranges and modes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional speed change transmission apparatus uses multiple planetary transmission mechanisms to achieve both geared and non-geared speed changes, then the speed change versatility is improved, but the space occupation and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeed change versatilityVSAvoidtransmission weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple planetary transmission mechanisms into a single integrated planetary mechanism that can provide both geared and non-geared speed changes through different engagement configurations. This consolidation reduces the total weight by eliminating redundant planetary gearsets while maintaining the versatility to operate in multiple speed ranges and modes through intelligent clutch control and gear engagement strategies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP1930198B1Speed change transmission device
Publication Date: 2014.06.25 KUBOTA CORP
  • EP1930198B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1930198B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1930198B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The object is to simplify the construction of a speed change apparatus in which an engine drive force is speed-changed in a plurality of speed ranges and speed-changed steplessly in each speed range, with using a stepless speed change device (10), planetary transmission mechanisms (P1, P2, P3) and clutches (C1, C2). There is provided a main speed change device (B) configured to combine an output from the stepless speed change device (10) and the drive force from the engine trough the first, second and third planetary transmission mechanisms (P1, P2, P3) and then output the resultant combined force from an output shaft (41). There is provided an auxiliary speed change device (20) for effecting speed change on the drive force from the output shaft (41) of the main speed change device (B) and then outputting the speed-changed force.