US 10,240,666 B2 · Simplified gearbox mechanism

Abstract

The improved gearbox mechanism of the present invention includes a plurality of cam-actuated simplified gear block assemblies, which transfer power from a power shaft to a secondary or output gear element. Each gear block assembly includes a gear block having a surface that periodically interfaces with a secondary or output gear element. In a preferred embodiment the interface surface comprises a plurality of projections or teeth which correspond to complementary projections or gear teeth on the output gear element. Each gear block assembly further includes a gear block, a torque lever arm, cam followers and/or a socket, which connect or link the gear block to a cam assembly, which in turn is connected to a power source. The cam assembly includes about its circumference a unique pathway or groove for each linkage assembly of a particular gear block assembly so that the movement of the gear block may be controlled in two dimensions in accordance with a certain design parameter.

Claims30

Dependent claims

A gearbox mechanism comprising:

a cam assembly removably coupled to a rotating device, the cam assembly having a first pathway and a second pathway formed into a planar surface of the cam assembly, and rotatable around a central axis when rotated by the rotating device;
an output element coaxially configured with the cam assembly, removably coupled to an output device, the output element having an output element interface surface on a circumferential surface of the output element;
and
at least one cam-actuated gear block assembly comprising:
a gear block having a gear block interface surface;
a torque lever pivotally coupled to the gear block;
a first cam follower rotatably coupled to the gear block;
and
a second cam follower rotatably coupled to the torque lever.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Simplified gearbox mechanism

Life of this patent

Simplified gearbox mechanism

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims30