Variable-Ratio Double Gear Transmission for Compact Adjusting Drives
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adjustment drives in motor vehicles require high drive torque and adjustment time, often resulting in larger engine dimensions to overcome icing and adhesion issues, which is inefficient and space-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A transmission device utilizing a double gear system where the drive gear and output gear are designed with two coaxial and rotationally fixed gears of different sizes, allowing for two distinct circumferential regions with different tooth engagement patterns, enabling variable translation ratios and reduced engine power requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a motor-gearbox combination is designed for high maximum torque, then the drive can overcome ice or buildup, but the motor size becomes larger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a variable gear ratio mechanism that dynamically changes the transmission ratio during operation. The drive gear transitions between a first gear ratio for high torque at startup (to overcome ice/buildup) and a second gear ratio for higher speed during normal operation. This dynamic adjustment allows the motor to be sized for average requirements while providing peak torque when needed, reducing overall motor size.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the transmission parameter (gear ratio) as the adjustment element moves through its range. The variable gear ratio is implemented through a mechanism where the transmission ratio varies continuously or in steps based on the position of the adjustment element, allowing optimal torque multiplication only when necessary and reducing motor size requirements.
2Force
If a suitable motor combined with a gearbox is used to overcome ice or buildup, then high drive torque is achieved, but the device becomes larger and less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the adjustment mechanism with the drive mechanism into a single integrated system. The adjustment element serves dual purposes: it is both the object being adjusted and the mechanism that changes the gear ratio. This eliminates the need for separate torque multiplication devices and reduces overall structural complexity while maintaining high torque capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment element performs multiple functions: it is the component being adjusted between start and target positions, and simultaneously it acts as the variable gear ratio mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the overall drive structure.
3Volume of moving object
If a constant gear ratio is used, then the motor size is smaller, but the adjustment time increases and high torque cannot be maintained throughout the range
Solution Approach 1:
The variable gear ratio mechanism dynamically adjusts the transmission ratio based on the position of the adjustment element. During the initial phase when high torque is needed (such as overcoming static friction or ice), the mechanism provides a higher gear ratio. As the adjustment element approaches the target position, the gear ratio decreases to enable faster movement, thus reducing total adjustment time while keeping motor size compact.
4Speed
If the gear ratio is reduced after a specified angle of rotation, then the speed increases, but the transition between gear ratios adds complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The variable gear ratio mechanism is integrated with the adjustment element itself rather than being a separate system. The adjustment element's position directly determines the active gear ratio, merging the control function with the mechanical adjustment function. This integration minimizes additional complexity while enabling speed variation throughout the adjustment range.
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
This configuration achieves a higher transmission ratio and high output torque initially, then reduces translation and increases speed after a predetermined angle, allowing for a compact and cost-effective adjustment drive with a large adjustment range.
Implementation Method 1
a toothing is formed on the first gear, which meshes with a toothing of the third gear
Implementation Method 2
a toothing is formed on the second gear, which meshes with a toothing of the fourth gear
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A transmission device, in particular for an adjustment drive in a motor vehicle, comprising a drive gear (1) driven by the motor and a driven gear (2) meshing with the drive gear (1) and thus driven by the drive gear (1), wherein the drive gear (1) is designed as a double gear, such that the drive gear (1) comprises a first gear (3.1) and a second gear (3.2) coaxial with the first gear (3.1) and rotationally fixed, wherein the first gear (3.1) has a smaller circumference than the second gear (3.2), wherein the driven gear (2) is designed as a double gear, such that the driven gear (2) comprises a third gear (3.3) and a fourth gear (3.4) coaxial with the third gear (3.3) and rotationally fixed, wherein the third gear (3.3) has a larger circumference than the fourth gear (3.4).4), wherein the drive gear (1) and the driven gear (2) are designed and positioned relative to each other such that in a first circumferential region of the drive gear (1) a toothing is formed on the first gear (3.1) which meshes with a toothing of the third gear (3.3) and that in a second circumferential region of the drive gear (1) a toothing is formed on the second gear (3.2) which meshes with a toothing of the fourth gear (3.4) so that in the first circumferential region there is a different transmission ratio between the drive gear (1) and the driven gear (2) than in the second circumferential region.