Variable Ratio Gear Actuator for Uniform Barrier Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motorized drives for movable barriers, such as doors and shutters, experience non-uniform torque and speed requirements during opening and closing, leading to inefficiencies and the need for higher-powered motors and complex kinematic systems.
Innovation Solution
A motorized drive system with a reduction unit featuring toothed profiles having variable transmission ratios, allowing for uniform application of resistant torque throughout the opening and closing movements by using a gear system with non-circular toothed profiles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional motorized drives with uniform transmission ratios are used, then the motor can operate at constant speed, but the torque required varies significantly during acceleration and deceleration phases, requiring higher-powered motors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a variable transmission ratio mechanism that dynamically adjusts the gear ratio during operation. The transmission ratio varies according to the operational phase: higher ratios during acceleration phases to reduce motor power requirements, and lower ratios during constant speed phases to maintain efficiency. This dynamic adaptation allows the motor to operate more efficiently across different operational conditions without requiring peak power capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the transmission ratio parameter throughout the operational cycle rather than maintaining a constant value. By varying the transmission ratio according to the specific phase (acceleration, constant speed, deceleration), the system optimizes the balance between torque and speed requirements, reducing the peak power demand while maintaining overall productivity.
2Reliability
If high-powered motors are used to handle variable torque requirements, then all phases of movement can be covered, but the motor size and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The variable transmission ratio mechanism provides dynamic torque multiplication during high-demand phases (acceleration and deceleration) without requiring a larger motor. The system adapts the mechanical advantage in real-time, ensuring reliable torque delivery when needed while keeping the base motor size optimized for average conditions rather than peak demands.
3Ease of operation
If conventional kinematic systems are used, then the door can be opened and closed, but the gear ratios must be high to handle torque variations, increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a transmission system where the gear ratio parameter changes continuously or in discrete steps throughout the operational cycle. This allows the use of lower average gear ratios compared to conventional systems that must accommodate peak torque requirements, thereby reducing the complexity of the kinematic system while maintaining full operational functionality.
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 a more uniform resistant torque, enabling the use of smaller, less powerful motors and simpler kinematic systems, reducing the size and power requirements while maintaining efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
a reduction unit (9) with toothed profiles having variable transmission ratios
Data Source
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AI summary
The motorized drive (5) according to the invention is configured to open and/or close a wing (3) of a barrier such as a door, main door, gate or swing shutter, a wall or sliding partition or other sliding wing. The motorized drive (5) comprises a motor (7) and a first reduction unit (9) through which the motor (7) can open or close the wing (3). The reduction unit (9) comprises a first (11) and a second toothed profile (13) engaging together, thus realizing a gear with a variable transmission ratio depending on the angular and/or linear position of at least one of the two toothed profiles. At least one of the first (11) and of the second toothed profile (13) forms at least one toothed section having a pitch profile which is substantially non-circular or not formed by a simple arc of a circle or a straight line.