Speed Reducer Gear Positioning for Ratio Changes Without Block Replacement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional speed reducers require large-scale parts replacement to change the transmission ratio of input and output gears, leading to increased costs.

Innovation Solution

A gear position changing mechanism that allows the intermediate gear to be repositioned without replacing the supporting block, using a retaining member with a rotational position changing unit to adjust the position of the intermediate gear relative to the input and output gears, enabling changes in the reduction ratio without replacing the supporting block.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the input gear or output gear is replaced with a member having a different number of teeth to change the transmission ratio, then the transmission ratio can be changed, but the supporting block must be replaced as well, leading to large-scale parts replacement and increased costs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission ratio changeabilityVSAvoidparts replacement scope

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the supporting block into two separate components: the supporting block itself and the retaining member. The retaining member is detachably attached to the supporting block and holds the intermediate gear. This segmentation allows the retaining member to be replaced independently to change the intermediate gear position, while the supporting block remains in place, thus resolving the contradiction between transmission ratio changeability and parts replacement scope.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The supporting block is designed with a universal retaining hole that can accommodate different retaining members with various intermediate gear positions. This universal design allows the same supporting block to work with multiple retaining members, enabling transmission ratio changes without replacing the supporting block, thereby reducing parts replacement scope while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If the supporting shaft position is changed to accommodate different input/output gears, then proper meshing can be achieved, but the entire supporting block must be replaced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegear meshing accuracyVSAvoidcost of parts

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the supporting block into the supporting block and the retaining member. The retaining member contains the supporting shaft and can be replaced to change the shaft position. This allows gear meshing accuracy to be maintained by selecting the appropriate retaining member, while avoiding the need to replace the entire supporting block, thus reducing manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The retaining member acts as an intermediary component between the supporting block and the intermediate gear. It provides the function of positioning the intermediate gear while being detachably attached to the supporting block. This intermediary structure allows position changes without replacing the supporting block, maintaining meshing accuracy while reducing costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If a fixed supporting block design is used, then the structure is simple, but the transmission ratio cannot be changed without replacing the entire supporting block

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidtransmission ratio adjustability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a dynamic element by making the retaining member detachably attachable to the supporting block. This allows the system to transition from a fixed configuration to a configurable one, where the retaining member can be removed and replaced with different types to achieve different transmission ratios, thus providing adaptability while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables parameter changes by allowing replacement of the retaining member with different types that have different intermediate gear positions. This changes the geometric parameters of the gear train while keeping the supporting block structure simple and unchanged, achieving transmission ratio adjustability without increasing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11852220B2Gear mechanism, speed reducer and drive device using speed reducer

Publication Date: 2023.12.26 NABTESCO CORP

AI summary

An aspect of the present invention provides a speed reducer including a supporting block, an input gear rotatably supported on the supporting block, an intermediate gear meshing with the input gear, an output gear meshing with the intermediate gear, and a gear position changing mechanism configured to change a position of the intermediate gear relative to the input and output gears.