Two Degrees of Freedom 2 speed Automatic Gearbox

[TechnicBrickPower]

Hi all, This 2 speed automatic gearbox implements it's second gear by using a two degrees of freedom configuration and blocking and unblocking the lower gearing ratio path by using a switch and rotary catch. The rotary catch is driven by a torque detector and once enough load is detected at the output it is rotated 90 degrees to unblock the low gearing ratio path. Upon the path being unblocked it becomes the path of least resistance and the output gearing ratio is reduced to give a higher output torque. Alternative lower gearing ratios can be implemented in this by changing out the lower gearing path gears. This gearbox operates in a bi-directional manner - meaning the input motor can rotate either way and the automatic gearbox still functions.

 

 

[MinusAndy]

Thanks for posting these designs up. Although I haven’t built them directly, your approach to building and explanations of why things do what they do in terms of, for example: torque sensing, has given me a much greater understanding of how to design and build stuff that actually works. 
basically, I owe you a beer.

[TeamThrifty]

1 hour ago, MinusAndy said:

basically, I owe you a beer.

+1