Tandem Drive Load Sharing Collar Linkage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tandem wheel arrangements face instability due to torque imbalances, particularly when fewer than all wheels are powered, leading to potential lifting of the drive arrangement and reduced reliability caused by complex assembly and high bearing counts in existing drive systems.
Innovation Solution
A load sharing arrangement using pivotally connected collars and linkages around stator and rotor portions of motors, which transfers unbalanced loading to the machine's frame, ensuring balanced torque distribution across tandem drive wheels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a gear reduction arrangement with linkages is used to balance torque, then torque balance is improved, but device complexity increases due to high bearing count
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the torque balancing function from the complex gear reduction arrangement and linkages, and implements it through a simplified differential mechanism that directly connects the two drive wheels. This eliminates the need for multiple bearings and complex linkages while maintaining torque balance capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a differential mechanism as an intermediary component between the power source and the two drive wheels. This differential acts as a mediator that automatically balances torque distribution without requiring complex linkages or multiple bearings, thus resolving the contradiction between torque balance and device complexity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If complex linkage systems are used to equalize torques, then torque equalization is improved, but reliability decreases due to more components prone to failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex linkage systems from the torque equalization function and replaces them with a streamlined differential mechanism. This extraction of unnecessary components directly improves reliability by reducing the number of parts that could fail, while maintaining the essential torque equalization capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The differential mechanism is designed to automatically equalize torques between the two drive wheels through its inherent mechanical structure, without requiring external linkages or complex control systems. This self-service capability improves reliability by eliminating components that would otherwise be prone to failure.
3Force
If multiple bearings are used in the drive arrangement, then torque transmission capability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates due to complex assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple bearings and complex linkages into a single integrated differential mechanism. This consolidation maintains the necessary torque transmission capability while dramatically simplifying the assembly process, as the differential acts as one unified component rather than multiple separate bearing and linkage assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The differential mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits torque, equalizes torque between wheels, and provides structural support. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized components like multiple bearings and linkages, thereby simplifying manufacturing and assembly while maintaining torque transmission capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A machine (100) includes a frame that is pivotally connected to a tandem drive arrangement. The tandem drive arrangement includes a beam (120) and a first motor (128) having a first stator portion (202) connected to a first end of the beam (120). The first motor (128) also includes a first rotor portion (204) connected to a first drive wheel (118). A load sharing arrangement (412) is associated with the tandem drive arrangement and includes a first collar (414) rotatably disposed around the first stator portion (202) and a second collar (426) rotatably disposed around a portion of the beam (120). A first linkage (424) is pivotally connected between the first and second collars such that the load sharing arrangement (412) balances unbalanced loading in the tandem drive arrangement by transferring the unbalanced loading to the frame.