Wheel Hub Planetary Reduction With Selectable 1:1 Direct Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wheel hub reduction systems for work vehicles are costly and lack the ability to efficiently accommodate various drive conditions, impacting fuel economy and operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A wheel hub reduction system with a planetary gearbox, sliding sleeve, and actuation device that allows for selective engagement and disengagement, providing variable reduction ratios of 2:1 and 1:1, controlled by a fluid actuation mechanism, to adapt to different driving conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a two-piston system is used for selective engagement and disengagement of planetary gearbox, then the reduction system can accommodate a wider spectrum of operating positions and provide full disengagement, but the manufacturing and operating costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of two separate pistons into a single piston that performs both engagement and disengagement operations. The single piston (46) has opposite ends that engage with different components (sliding sleeve (30) and differential drive shaft (28)) to achieve the same functional outcomes as a two-piston system would, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining full disengagement capability and wide operating position adaptability
2Device complexity
If a single piston with sliding sleeve is used for selective engagement, then the structure is simpler, but the reduction system cannot provide full disengagement and has limited operating positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single piston into functional zones where opposite ends perform different operations. One end of the piston engages the sliding sleeve to control planetary gearbox engagement, while the other end engages the differential drive shaft to enable full disengagement. This segmentation allows a simple single-piston structure to achieve multiple operating positions including full disengagement, 2:1 reduction, and 1:1 direct drive
3Device complexity
If fixed reduction ratio is provided between drive shaft and wheel hub, then the structure is simple, but the system cannot adapt to various driving conditions and loading scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic reduction system where the reduction ratio can change based on operating conditions. The system transitions between fixed reduction states (2:1 when planetary gearbox is engaged, 1:1 when disengaged) through the controlled movement of the sliding sleeve and piston, allowing the vehicle to adapt to various drive conditions including towing, loaded transport, and fuel economy modes
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 enhances fuel economy and operational efficiency by optimizing torque and traction based on load conditions, while reducing manufacturing and operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
controlled by a fluid actuation mechanism
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a wheel hub (30) that includes a housing (32) and a reduction system (34). The reduction system (34) includes a planetary gearbox (48) configured to be operably connected between the axle (36) and the wheel (26), a bushing (50) for slidably connecting to the axle (36), and an actuation device (52) for sliding the bushing (50). The reduction system (34) has a first operating position in which the bushing (50) engages with the planetary gearbox (48) to transmit driving force from the axle (36) at a first speed ratio, and a second operating position in which the bushing (50) disengages from the planetary gearbox (48) and engages with the end cap (44) of the housing (32) in order to transmit driving force from the axle (36) at a second speed ratio that is 1:1.