Infinitely Variable Power Transmission System With Planetary Gear Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power transmission systems lack the ability to provide infinitely variable speed capabilities, including zero output speed, which is essential for applications like harvesting vehicles where speed control is critical.
Innovation Solution
A power transmission system utilizing a pair of power units with a transmission arrangement that includes a planetary gear set without a ring gear, allowing for continuous mechanical meshing engagement between the power units and the output element, enabling seamless transition through forward and reverse speed ratios, including zero speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional transmission system is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot provide infinitely variable speed capabilities including zero output speed
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission system is divided into two independent power units (first and second power units) that can operate separately or in combination. Each power unit has its own drive mechanism, allowing the system to achieve infinitely variable speed ratios by independently controlling each unit's contribution to the output, thereby enabling zero output speed and continuous ratio variation without complex single-mechanism designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges two power transmission paths into a single output mechanism. The first power unit provides torque through a first gear set, while the second power unit provides torque through a second gear set, and both are combined at the output shaft. This merging of independent power paths enables continuous variable speed ratios including zero, while maintaining relatively simple individual gear sets for each power unit.
2Adaptability or versatility
If hydraulic systems are used for speed control, then variable speed is achieved, but hydraulic losses reduce efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces hydraulic speed control mechanisms with direct mechanical power transmission from two independent power units. Each power unit mechanically drives the output through gear sets, eliminating hydraulic fluid coupling and associated hydraulic losses. The infinitely variable speed ratio is achieved through mechanical means by varying the torque contribution of each power unit rather than using hydraulic variable displacement mechanisms.
3Reliability
If a planetary gear set without ring gear is used, then mechanical meshing engagement is continuous, but the gear arrangement becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The planetary gear system is segmented into two separate planetary gear sets, each associated with a different power unit. The first planetary gear set handles torque from the first power unit, and the second planetary gear set handles torque from the second power unit. This segmentation allows each gear set to maintain continuous mechanical meshing engagement independently, improving reliability while keeping each individual gear set's complexity manageable through dedicated design for each power path.
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 achieves infinitely variable output speeds with improved efficiency by combining torques from constant and variable speed power sources, optimizing engine operation and reducing hydraulic losses, thus enhancing performance in applications like cotton picking.
Implementation Method 1
a gear set coupling one power unit to the output element to deliver torque through a mechanical meshing engagement that is continuously effected between the first power unit and the output element
Data Source
AI summary
A power transmission system is disclosed for infinitely variable speed capability. The power transmission system includes a pair of power units, each configured to deliver a rotational torque to drive an output element. A transmission arrangement receives the rotational torques from the power units and delivers a resulting torque to the output element. The transmission arrangement includes a gear set coupling the one power unit to the output element to deliver torque through a mechanical meshing engagement that is continuously effected between the first power unit and the output element.