Coplanar gear loops
utilize a patented, unique gear tooth profile called an "addendum
contact tooth profile." Embodiments of this tooth profile in gear
loops yield contact ratios of eight to twelve. As a result, the noise
characteristics of straight gears will be better than conventional
helical planetary gear sets. In addition, the lower bending stresses
inherent in this tooth profile will allow manufacturing the gears using
powdered metal forming technology.
These gear loops can
be substitutes for conventional planetary gear sets in transmissions and
as low range reduction gears, and can also be used a differential since a
50/50 split is possible with this type of gearing. Under most application
a significant packaging advantage is noted.
Current
Development:
Limited Acting
Differential (LAD)
The LAD works as follows: the differential contains one
co-planer loop geared ratio into a bi-directional clutch. The geared
ratio is set to the minimum turn radius of the vehicle. Under normal
conditions the differential operates as an open differential. When either
wheel exceeds the minimum turn ratio then the differential locks up as
soon as the ratio is less then the minimum then the differential operates
as an open differential.
A new 32 speed
Military Track Vehicle Transmission that offers many advantages such as
packaging and efficiency.
