Torque Transmission Device With Groove Coupling For Stepless Ratio Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional torque transmission devices, such as manual transmissions and continuously variable transmissions, face limitations in simplicity, component count, torque capacity, mechanical efficiency, and comfort due to their complex designs and discrete or limited gear ratios.

Innovation Solution

A device with a drive element and an output element that are positively coupled via a groove, allowing simultaneous rotary and linear movement, enabling efficient torque generation and conversion with a minimal component count and simple design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional manual transmissions with multiple gear sets are used, then discrete gear ratios are obtained, but power flow interruption occurs during shifting requiring clutch actuation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegear ratio adjustmentVSAvoidpower flow continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention employs a continuously variable transmission mechanism where the transmission ratio can be adjusted without interruption of power flow. The conical friction surfaces maintain continuous contact during ratio changes, eliminating the need for clutch actuation and enabling seamless gear ratio transitions while maintaining uninterrupted torque transmission from input to output shaft.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

2Adaptability or versatility

If continuously variable transmission devices are used, then stepless gear ratio adjustment is enabled, but torque capacity is limited and technical complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegear ratio adjustmentVSAvoidtransmission structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and utilizes the frictional contact between conical surfaces as the primary torque transmission mechanism, eliminating the need for complex hydraulic control systems, electronic actuators, and multiple shifting components found in conventional CVT devices. The friction-based continuous variable transmission achieves stepless ratio adjustment through simple mechanical means, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining adequate torque capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional transmissions with multiple components are used, then gear ratio changes are achieved, but component count increases and mechanical efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegear ratio adjustmentVSAvoidmechanical efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the functions of multiple transmission components into a unified friction-based mechanism. The conical friction surfaces simultaneously provide torque transmission, speed ratio variation, and directional control in a single integrated structure, eliminating the need for separate clutch devices, shifting mechanisms, and multiple gear sets, thereby reducing mechanical losses and improving overall efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The device effectively generates and converts torque with improved mechanical efficiency and comfort by enabling stepless gear ratio adjustment, reducing the need for complex components and interruptions in power flow.

Implementation Method 1

the drive element is forcibly coupled to the drive element via an engagement in a groove for the simultaneous execution of a rotary movement and a linear movement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPositive coupling through groove engagement: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP2584221B1Transmission device for transferring a torque and apparatus for generating or converting a torque
Publication Date: 2014.08.06 THIEN GERHARD
  • EP2584221B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2584221B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2584221B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The transmission device (1) has a drive shaft (2) which is formed to turn itself with a rotational speed. A driven shaft (3) is formed to turn itself with another rotational speed. A mechanical transmission element (5) is provided, over which the drive shaft and the driven shaft are connected with each other. The mechanical transmission element is formed to execute a linear movement relative to the drive shaft and to the driven shaft, if the rotational speed of the drive shaft and the rotational speed of the driven shaft are differentiated from each other. An independent claim is included for a device for producing or changing a torque.