Variable Displacement System Phase Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid transmission systems lack the ability to provide continuous variable displacement over a wide range, including zero, and fail to precisely control the phase relationship of rotating elements, limiting their efficiency and adaptability.

Innovation Solution

A phase relationship controller using mirrored planetary gear systems with a cylindrical output shaft and a secondary output driven through a planetary gearbox, allowing for precise control of the relative phase and angular velocity between two shafts, which is then used to adjust the eccentricity of an outer shaft or swash plates to vary the displacement of pistons in a fluid transmission system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If traditional fluid transmission systems are used, then the system structure is simple, but the displacement adjustment range is limited and precision is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplacement adjustment precisionVSAvoidsystem structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention employs dynamic adjustment mechanisms including variable eccentricity shafts and adjustable swash plate angles that allow continuous modification of piston displacement during operation. The planetary gear system enables dynamic phase relationship control between multiple shafts, transforming a static system into one with continuously variable displacement characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system divides the fluid transmission function into multiple independent piston-cylinder assemblies, each capable of individual displacement control. The planetary gear system segments the power transmission path into multiple branches, allowing independent adjustment of each piston's phase and stroke, thereby achieving precise overall displacement control through coordinated segmentation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If variable displacement mechanisms are added to achieve continuous adjustment, then the displacement control precision improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperating range adjustabilityVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The planetary gear system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits power from the input shaft, controls the phase relationships between multiple output shafts, and enables continuous displacement adjustment through its inherent geometric relationships. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated mechanisms for each control function.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs nested concentric shafts where the input shaft and multiple output shafts share common rotational axes. The planetary gears are nested within the annular space between concentric shafts, and the piston assemblies are nested within the pump housing. This nesting arrangement maximizes functional density while minimizing overall system size and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Measurement precision

If multiple rotating elements with phase control are used, then the angular velocity and phase control precision improves, but the mechanical complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephase relationship precisionVSAvoidgearbox complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The planetary gear system acts as an intermediary mechanism that automatically maintains precise phase relationships between multiple output shafts based on the input shaft's rotational position. The geometric constraints of the planetary gear arrangement inherently enforce the desired phase relationships without requiring complex electronic sensors or active control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Productivity

If continuous variable displacement control is implemented, then the system adaptability improves, but the reliability may decrease due to increased moving parts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem efficiencyVSAvoidmechanism durability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The planetary gear system provides continuous phase relationship control without dead zones or step changes, allowing smooth transitions between different displacement settings. The variable eccentricity mechanism enables continuous adjustment of piston stroke from zero to maximum without interruption, maintaining continuous useful action throughout the adjustment range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The planetary gear geometry inherently self-regulates the phase relationships between shafts based on its mechanical constraints. The system uses its own structural geometry to maintain precise phase relationships without requiring external sensing or actuation systems, thereby improving reliability through self-contained mechanical intelligence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables continuous variable displacement over a wide range, including zero, with precise control of fluid output, enhancing the efficiency and adaptability of fluid transmission systems by replicating the input angular velocity and phase in the primary output and allowing adjustments to the secondary output.

Implementation Method 1

The primary output of the Phase relationship controller is one and the same with the input and as such will always directly replicate the angular velocity, phase and power of the input

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGear mechanism: Gear

Implementation Method 2

the primary output shaft drives an eccentric cylindrical shaft. Said shaft passes through an outer cylindrical shaft with an eccentric, oval opening in the middle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEccentric mechanism: Eccentric

Implementation Method 3

two matching swash plates are formed such that the outer circular edge of each swash plate forms a track inscribing a sinusoidal pattern

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSwash plate mechanism: Swashplate

Data Source

PatentUS9890638B2Variable displacement system
Publication Date: 2018.02.13 ANGULAR MOTION TECH
  • US9890638B2 patent drawing
  • US9890638B2 patent drawing
  • US9890638B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Variable displacement systems, utilizing a phase relationship controller to determine and control the volumetric displacement of liquid and gas compression systems, including applications of said systems to continuously variable, constant speed power transmissions and to variable compression-ratio internal combustion engines.