Variable Output Orientation Transmission for Material Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Material handling systems require the ability to vary the output orientation of mechanical transmissions relative to the input orientation, which is not typically possible with conventional fixed-orientation transmissions, limiting their flexibility in directing articles along multiple paths or to specific locations.
Innovation Solution
A variable output orientation transmission system is designed, where the second housing is rotatably carried by the first housing, allowing the drive train to convert input linear motion in one plane to output linear motion in any direction within a second plane, enabling the output orientation to be varied by rotating the housing components. This system includes a drive train with pinions and bevels that can be assembled to achieve a 1:1 overall drive ratio and allows for speed reduction or multiplication by adjusting the drive ratios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional fixed-orientation transmissions are used, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the output orientation cannot be varied relative to the input orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the output housing rotatable relative to the input housing, allowing the output orientation to be dynamically adjusted. The output housing can rotate about the input shaft axis, enabling the output shaft to assume different angular positions while maintaining continuous power transmission. This dynamic adjustment capability resolves the contradiction by providing variable output orientation without requiring multiple fixed transmissions.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission is segmented into distinct functional components: an input housing containing the input shaft and drive train, and a rotatable output housing containing the output shaft. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component and enables the output housing to rotate without affecting the input train stability, thus achieving orientation variation while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the output orientation is varied by rotating housing components, then flexibility in directing articles is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable output housing serves multiple functions: it transmits power from the input shaft, allows output orientation adjustment, and provides structural support for the output shaft. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate mechanisms, thereby achieving article routing flexibility without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The output housing acts as an intermediary between the fixed input train and the variable output shaft. It mediates the transition from fixed to variable orientation by rotating about the input shaft axis, allowing smooth adjustment of output direction without disrupting the input train operation or requiring complex coupling mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If variable output orientation is implemented, then the ability to direct articles along multiple paths is improved, but the risk of skewing or mistracking increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic rotation of the output housing allows continuous adjustment of the output shaft orientation, enabling precise alignment with different article paths. This dynamic capability ensures that articles can be accurately directed along multiple paths without skewing, as the output orientation can be optimized for each specific routing requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The output orientation angle is changed as a controllable parameter by rotating the output housing. This parameter adjustment allows the system to adapt to different article sizes, shapes, and routing requirements, maintaining proper alignment and preventing mistracking while achieving multi-path direction capability.
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 system allows for flexible and precise control of article direction within a 360° range, enabling efficient and accurate routing of articles in material handling systems without skewing or mistracking, maintaining alignment with the input power source and minimizing reaction forces.
Implementation Method 1
a first bevel gear intermeshing with the first pinion and a second bevel gear intermeshing with the second pinion
Implementation Method 2
drive train with pinions and bevels that can be assembled to achieve a 1:1 overall drive ratio
Data Source
AI summary
A conveying surface is defined by outputs with respective orientations that can be varied while maintaining the input in a constant orientation, and which can be used to more than a single direction. Power may be transmitted from a source of linear power to the conveying surface through rotation about an axis perpendicular to the conveying surface.