Machine element or mechanism – Gearing – Directly cooperating gears
Reexamination Certificate
1998-04-21
2001-06-12
Marmor, Charles A (Department: 3681)
Machine element or mechanism
Gearing
Directly cooperating gears
Reexamination Certificate
active
06244126
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to machine elements or mechanisms and, in particular, to a gearing system having directly cooperating gears with intersecting axes of rotation.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A transmission provides different gear ratios between the engine and drive wheels of a typical land vehicle. The transmission enables the vehicle to accelerate from rest up to a maximum speed through a wide speed range while the engine operates efficiently. In most applications, the transmission is positioned in the vehicle power train between the engine and the propeller shaft. The engine's power flows through the transmission and propeller shaft and is delivered to the differential and drive axles.
Most vehicle transmissions operate within a preset range of gear ratios. This is a problem for special purpose vehicles, such as pickup trucks, used for carrying or towing heavy loads. Excessive engine and transmission wear, fuel consumption, and operating costs can result from gear ratios that are set too low at the time of their manufacture, “gear ratio” being defined as output speed divided by input speed. A need, therefore, exists for an “add-on” assembly which can be easily and economically inserted into the power train of a vehicle for increasing the gear ratio between the engine and drive axles. Moreover, there is need in passenger cars, boats, ships, helicopters, small trucks, heavy trucks, front wheel drives and motorcycles for improved efficiency and reduction in air pollution which results from improved efficiency.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In view of the limitations associated with known vehicle transmissions, it is a principal object of the invention to provide a gear ratio multiplier which can be operatively connected between a factory installed transmission and propeller shaft to increase ratio and torque, increase the gear ratio and torque between the engine and drive axles of the associated vehicle.
It is another object of the invention to provide a gear ratio multiplier featuring spiral bevel gears. The tooth inclination of such gears brings more teeth in contact at any one time than with equivalent straight bevel gears. The result is smoother and quieter operation, particularly at high speeds, and greater load-carrying ability than with straight bevel gears.
It is a further object of the invention to provide gear ratio multiplier of the type described which, during use, will increase torque imparted to the drive axles, decrease fuel consumption, increase engine and transmission life, and reduce vehicle operating costs.
It is an object of the invention to provide improved elements and arrangements thereof in a gear ratio multiplier for the purposes described which is lightweight in manufacture, inexpensive in construction and installation, and fully effective in use.
In its broadest aspect, the present invention is directed to the concept of positioning a gear ratio multiplier between a transmission and drive shaft or propeller shaft of a device powered by an internal combustion engine, such as land, water or air vehicles, or any type of device or machine.
More specifically, the gear ratio multiplier comprises a gear assembly disposed between an engine and a driven device, wherein the gear assembly first increases torque by decreasing shaft speed (RMP) within the assembly and then increases shaft speed (RPM) before transferring that increased shaft speed to the driven device.
Briefly, the gear ratio multiplier in accordance with a first embodiment of this invention achieves the intended objects by featuring directly cooperating gears which serve to rotatably connect an input shaft to an output shaft through an intermediate shaft. The inner ends of the input and output shafts are spaced from one another and are each provided with a substantially identical pinion gear. The intermediate shaft is rotatably carried between the pinion gears and has a pair of differently sized ring gears. The larger ring gear includes more teeth than the smaller ring gear. The pinion gear on the input shaft engages the smaller ring gear whereas the pinion gear on the output shaft engages the larger ring gear. When rotated, the input shaft drives the output shaft with an accompanying mechanical advantage.
While the aforementioned first embodiment was employed in a successful application of the invention, it is also within the scope of this invention to employ other types of gear assembly arrangements such as, but not limited to, planetary gear and ring gear arrangements.
The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the various preferred embodiments as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
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Marmor Charles A
Millen White Zelano & Branigan P.C.
Parekh Ankur
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