Tandem Drive Assembly With CVT for Independent Wheel Traction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Construction machines face challenges in propelling on challenging terrain and often occupy valuable space with their drive systems, interfering with other systems.
Innovation Solution
A tandem drive assembly with a continuously-variable drive system that includes a first and second drive sprocket engaging a pair of wheels, allowing for independent gear ratio adjustment and power distribution to each wheel, eliminating the need for a differential and optimizing space utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a traditional drive system is used, then the machine can operate on standard terrain, but it occupies valuable space and interferes with other systems
Solution Approach 1:
The drive system is divided into two separate tandem drive assemblies, each independently mounted on opposite sides of the machine. Each assembly contains its own continuously-variable drive mechanism, allowing the system to reduce overall space occupation while maintaining independent control capability for challenging terrain operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive assemblies are positioned laterally distributed on opposite sides of the machine rather than concentrated in a central location. This spatial redistribution reduces interference with other systems while maintaining effective power delivery to the wheels for challenging terrain conditions.
2Reliability
If a fixed gear ratio drive system is used, then the structure is simpler, but it cannot optimize power distribution on challenging terrain
Solution Approach 1:
Each tandem drive assembly incorporates a continuously-variable drive mechanism that allows dynamic adjustment of gear ratios during operation. This enables optimal power distribution to the wheels based on real-time terrain conditions, significantly improving traction compared to fixed gear ratio systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The continuously-variable drive mechanisms enable continuous change of transmission ratio parameters according to operating conditions. This parameter adaptability allows the drive system to optimize power delivery for challenging terrain while the modular tandem assembly structure keeps the overall system manageable in complexity.
3Reliability
If power is distributed to both wheels independently, then traction is improved, but the need for differentials and complex power transfer increases space requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The power distribution system is segmented into two independent tandem drive assemblies mounted on opposite sides of the machine. Each assembly independently drives its respective wheel without requiring a central differential mechanism, thereby achieving independent wheel control while reducing space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional central differential mechanism is extracted and replaced by two separate independently-mounted drive assemblies. This extraction eliminates the need for complex power transfer through a differential while maintaining independent power distribution capability to each wheel for improved traction control.
Data Source
AI summary
A tandem drive assembly includes a tandem housing, a first drive sprocket and a second drive sprocket arranged in the tandem housing and configured to engage a pair of wheels, and a continuously-variable drive. The continuously-variable drive is arranged in the tandem housing. The continuously-variable drive includes an input configured to receive power from a prime mover and an output coupled to the first drive sprocket. The output is operatively connected to the input.