Description:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
The Patents Rules, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See Section 10 and Rule 13)

A GEAR ASSEMBLY OF AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE AND A METHOD FOR TORQUE TRANSMISSION

APPLICANT:

TVS MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED, an Indian Company at: “Chaitanya”, No.12 Khader Nawaz Khan Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai 600 006.

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to a gear assembly for a transmission assembly of an internal combustion engine and a method for torque transmission. More particularly but not exclusively, the present subject matter relates to a gear assembly for a transmission assembly of an internal combustion engine of a three-wheeled vehicle.

BACKGROUND
[0002] The conventional transmission systems comprise of a countershaft. The countershaft is connected to the crankshaft of the internal combustion engine through a clutch system. A shaft-drive receives torque from the gears mounted upon the countershaft. The torque is finally transmitted from the shaft-drive to final driven gear via a driveshaft. The torque eventually flows down to wheels through the muff cup and the propeller shaft.
[0003] The driveshaft normally has a set of driven gears for different torque/speed range. Respective gear transmits the power to final drive, which is connected to driveshaft through splines. For each gear, the output of transmission is defined by the specified power flow direction with a definite speed and torque.
[0004] In case of cargo vehicles, higher climbing capacity is required with maximum speed for climbing a slope with the cargo loaded in the vehicle. In order to achieve the same, the solutions available in the prior art suggest to improve the gear ratio. However, this requires major modifications in the design of gear box or designing a new gear box altogether. It also tends to increase the layout and size of the gear box. Further, increasing the gear ratio may not always be a feasible option as it results in a reduction in the maximum speed that can be achieved by the vehicle. Alternatively, the gear ratios in multiplication are provided to improve the transmission by changing the gear ratio of individual gear in order to deliver better climbing performance and maximum speed performance. This is necessary for load carrying vehicles, such as but not limited to cargo vehicles, as the higher loads situation requires better climbing performance.
[0005] Most of the times, the requirement of load carrying capacity is moderate. In some special circumstances, the higher load carrying capacity is required to negotiate steep gradients with the high load. Providing a separate gearbox with higher reduction, for above mentioned case, compromises with the top speed and fuel economy permanently.
[0006] The present invention effectively addresses the above cited problems of the prior art by disclosing a gear assembly transmission assembly of an internal combustion engine and a method for torque transmission.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present subject matter relates to a gear assembly for a transmission assembly of an internal combustion engine. The gear assembly comprises one or more gears, a rotating member, and a shifting member. The one or more gears is configured to interchangeably transmit torque in a first configuration and a second configuration. The rotating member is configured to receive a drive shaft of the transmission assembly through an opening in order to freely rotate on the drive shaft. The rotating member comprises a first head, and a second head. The first head is configured to be enmeshed with a final gear drive. The second head is integrated with the first head. The second head comprises a plurality of splines. The shifting member is configured to slide axially on the plurality of splines in order to interchangeably engage the rotating member in the first configuration and the second configuration.
[0008] The present subject matter also relates to a method for a torque transmission in a vehicle. The method comprising a plurality of steps. In a first step, a high drive gear rotates integrally with the drive shaft. In a second step, a rotating member receives a torque through a shifting member in order to freely rotate on a drive shaft. The shifting member slides axially on a plurality of splines of the rotating member in order to interchangeably engage the rotating member in a first configuration and in a second configuration. In the first configuration, the shifting member slides axially on the plurality of splines to engage with the high drive gear. The shifting member receives torque from the high drive gear and then the shifting member transfers torque to the rotating member. In the second configuration, the high drive gear transfers the torque to a high-driven gear. The high-driven gear rotates a shaft member thereby integrally rotating the low drive gear with the shaft member. The low drive gear transfers the torque to a low driven gear. The low driven gear freely rotates on the rotating member. The shifting member slides axially on the plurality of splines to engage with the low driven gear. The shifting member receives torque from the low driven gear. The shifting member transfers the torque to the rotating member. In a third step, the rotating member transfers torque to a final gear drive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The details are described with reference to an embodiment of gear assembly and a method for a torque transmission in a vehicle. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer similar features and components.
[0010] Figure 1 illustrates a side view of the internal combustion engine.
[0011] Figure 2 illustrates a sectional view of the internal combustion engine along an axis A-A shown in the Figure 2.
[0012] Figure 3 illustrates an exploded view of the gear assembly.
[0013] Figure 4 illustrates a side perspective view of the gear assembly.
[0014] Figure 5 illustrates an isometric view of a rotating member.
[0015] Figure 6 illustrates a sectional view of the gear assembly.
[0016] Figure 7 illustrates a transmission of torque in a first configuration.
[0017] Figure 8 illustrates a transmission of torque in a second configuration.
[0018] Figure 9 illustrates a flow chart depicting a method for a torque transmission in a vehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] In order to overcome one or more of the above-mentioned challenges, a gear assembly transmission assembly of an internal combustion engine and a method for torque transmission. The disclosed invention enables the user select between the two different operating modes without compromising with the compact layout of gear box. Therefore, various embodiments of the disclosed invention provide best acceleration, top speed and fuel economy as the vehicle can be operated at optimum operating zone accordingly. Further, the solution proposed by the present invention does not require any modification in the gear box. The disclosed invention enables the user select between the two different operating modes, as per the different load requirements, without compromising with the maximum vehicle speed. Thus, achieving adequate acceleration, optimum speed and better fuel efficiency. The solution proposed by the present invention does not require any modification in the gear box. Thus, the present invention provides adequate acceleration, optimum speed and fuel economy without compromising with the compact layout of gear box.
[0020] As per one embodiment of the invention, the invention relates to a gear assembly for a transmission assembly of an internal combustion engine. The gear assembly comprises one or more gears, a rotating member, and a shifting member. The one or more gears is configured to interchangeably transmit torque in a first configuration and a second configuration. The rotating member is configured to receive a drive shaft of the transmission assembly through an opening in order to freely rotate on the drive shaft. The rotating member comprises a first head, and a second head. The first head is configured to be enmeshed with a final gear drive. The second head is integrated with the first head. The second head comprises a plurality of splines. The shifting member is configured to slide axially on the plurality of splines in order to interchangeably engage the rotating member in the first configuration and the second configuration.
[0021] As per one embodiment of the invention, in the gear assembly, the one or more gears comprises a high drive gear, a high driven gear, a low drive gear and a low driven gear. The first configuration is adapted to provide a high speed and a low torque transmission. The second configuration is adapted to provide a low speed and a high torque transmission.
[0022] As per one embodiment of the invention, in the gear assembly, the high driven gear and the low drive gear are mounted coaxially on a shaft member of the transmission assembly. The high driven gear and the low drive gear are configured to rotate integrally with the shaft member.
[0023] As per one embodiment of the invention, in the gear assembly, the low driven gear is mounted between the first head and the second head on the rotating member. The low driven gear is configured to rotate freely on the rotating member. The axial movement of the low driven gear along the rotating member is inhibited.
[0024] As per one embodiment of the invention, in the gear assembly, the high drive gear is configured to be coaxial with the low driven gear. The high drive gear is mounted on the drive shaft. The high drive gear is configured to rotate integrally with the drive shaft. The drive shaft is configured to be parallelly aligned with the shaft member.
[0025] As per one embodiment of the invention, in the gear assembly, the high drive gear is configured to be enmeshed with the high driven gear. The high drive gear is configured to rotate the high driven gear. The low drive gear is configured to be enmeshed with the low driven gear. The low drive gear is configured to rotate the low driven gear.
[0026] As per one embodiment of the invention, in the gear assembly, the shifting member is disposed between the high drive gear and the low driven gear. The shifting member comprises one or more protrusions. The one or more protrusions comprises a plurality of high drive protrusions and a plurality of low drive protrusions. The plurality of high drive protrusions is configured to be engaged by one or more high gear grooves of the high drive gear in the first configuration. The plurality of low drive protrusions is configured to be engaged by one or more low gear grooves of the low driven gear in the second configuration.
[0027] As per one embodiment of the invention, in the gear assembly, in the first configuration, the rotating member is configured to receive the torque from the high drive gear. The rotating member is configured to transfer the torque to the final gear drive.
[0028] As per one embodiment of the invention, in the gear assembly, in the second configuration, the high drive gear is configured to transfer the torque from the drive shaft to the high driven gear. The high driven gear is configured to rotate the shaft member. The low drive gear is configured to integrally rotate with the shaft member. The low drive gear is configured to transfer the torque to the low driven gear. The rotating member is configured to receive the torque from the low driven gear. The rotating member is configured to transfer the torque to the final gear drive.
[0029] As per one embodiment of the invention, in the gear assembly, an axial movement of the rotating member along the drive shaft is inhibited.
[0030] As per one embodiment of the invention, in the gear assembly, a shifting assembly is provided. The shifting assembly is configured to control a position of the shifting member on the plurality of splines.
[0031] As per one embodiment of the invention, in the gear assembly, the shifting assembly comprises a pulley. The pulley is configured to operate a cam drum. The cam drum is configured to axially slide the shifting member on the plurality of splines via a fork.
[0032] As per one embodiment of the invention, in the gear assembly, the drive shaft is configured to receive one or more driven gears. The one or more driven gears is mounted integrally to the drive shaft. The one or more driven gears is configured to rotate the drive shaft. Further, the drive shaft is configured to receive the torque from the shaft drive member via the one or more driven gears.
[0033] As per one embodiment of the invention, in the gear assembly, the drive shaft is parallel to a shaft drive member of the transmission assembly. The shaft drive member comprises one or more drive gears. The one or more drive gears is configured to rotate freely on the shaft drive member. The one or more drive gears is configured to be enmeshed with the one or more driven gears thereby rotating the one or more driven gears.
[0034] As per one embodiment of the invention, in the gear assembly, the shaft drive member is configured to be rotatably connected to a counter shaft of the transmission assembly. The counter shaft is configured to be rotatably connected to a crankshaft of the internal combustion engine via a clutch assembly. The countershaft being configured to transfer the torque from the crankshaft to the shaft drive member via one or more counter gears. The one or more counter gears is configured to be enmeshed with the one or more drive gears thereby rotating the one or more drive gears.
[0035] As per one embodiment of the invention, in the gear assembly, the final gear drive is configured to transfer the power to one or more rotating members of a vehicle via a differential assembly.
[0036] In another embodiment, the invention relates to a method for a torque transmission in a vehicle. The method comprising a plurality of steps. In a first step, a high drive gear rotates integrally with the drive shaft. In a second step, a rotating member receives a torque through a shifting member in order to freely rotate on a drive shaft. The shifting member slides axially on a plurality of splines of the rotating member in order to interchangeably engage the rotating member in a first configuration and in a second configuration. In the first configuration, the shifting member slides axially on the plurality of splines to engage with the high drive gear. The shifting member receives torque from the high drive gear and then the shifting member transfers torque to the rotating member. In the second configuration, the high drive gear transfers the torque to a high-driven gear. The high-driven gear rotates a shaft member thereby integrally rotating the low drive gear with the shaft member. The low drive gear transfers the torque to a low driven gear. The low driven gear freely rotates on the rotating member. The shifting member slides axially on the plurality of splines to engage with the low driven gear. The shifting member receives the torque from the low driven gear. The shifting member transfers the torque to the rotating member. In a third step, the rotating member transfers torque to a final gear drive.
[0037] As per another embodiment of the invention, in the method, the first configuration is adapted to provide a high speed and a low torque transmission. The second configuration is adapted to provide a low speed and a high torque transmission.
[0038] As per another embodiment of the invention, in the method, in a fourth step the final gear drive transfers torque to a differential assembly. In a fifth step, the differential assembly transfers the torque to one or more rotating components of the vehicle.
[0039] As per another embodiment of the invention, in the method, a countershaft receives the torque from the internal combustion engine via a crankshaft. The countershaft transfers the torque to a shaft drive member via one or more counter gears. The shaft drive member receives the torque from the one or more counter gears via one or more drive gears. The one or more drive gears transfer the torque to the drive shaft. The drive shaft receives the torque via one or more driven gears.
[0040] As per another embodiment of the invention, in the method, in the first configuration, the shifting member engages one or more high drive grooves of the high drive gear via a plurality of high drive protrusions to transfer the torque from the high drive gear to the rotating member. In the second configuration, the shifting member engages one or more low gear grooves of the low driven gear via a plurality of low drive protrusions to transfer the torque from the low driven gear to the rotating member.
[0041] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to an embodiment of a gear assembly (200) for a transmission assembly of an internal combustion engine (100), along with the accompanying drawings. However, the disclosed invention is not limited to the present embodiments.
[0042] The embodiments shown in Figure 1, and Figure 2 are taken together for discussion. Figure 1 illustrates a side view of the internal combustion engine (100). Figure 2 illustrates a sectional view of the internal combustion engine (100) along an axis A-A shown in the Figure 1.
[0043] The internal combustion engine (100) comprises a shaft drive member (400, shown in Fig. 8). The shaft drive member (400) is rotatably connected to a counter shaft (not shown) of the transmission assembly. The shaft drive member (400) comprises one or more drive gears (401, shown in Fig. 8). The one or more drive gears (401) rotate freely on the shaft drive member (400). The counter shaft is rotatably connected to a crankshaft (not shown) of the internal combustion engine (100) via a clutch assembly (not shown). The countershaft transfers the torque from the crankshaft to the shaft drive member (400) via one or more counter gears (not shown) of the countershaft. The one or more counter gears are enmeshed with the one or more drive gears (401) thereby rotating the one or more drive gears (401).
[0044] The internal combustion engine (100) further comprises a drive shaft (300). The drive shaft (300) receives one or more driven gears (303). The one or more driven gears (303) are integrally mounted on to the drive shaft (300) in order to rotate the drive shaft (300). The drive shaft (300) is parallelly disposed with respect to the shaft drive member (400). The one or more drive gears (401) are enmeshed with the one or more driven gears (303) thereby rotating the one or more driven gears (303). Therefore, the drive shaft (300) receives the torque from the shaft drive member (400) through the one or more driven gears (303).
[0045] The embodiments shown in Figure 3, Figure 4 and Figure 5 are taken together for discussion. Figure 3 illustrates an exploded view of the gear assembly (200). Figure 4 illustrates a side perspective view of the gear assembly (200). Figure 5 illustrates an isometric view of a rotating member (101).
[0046] The gear assembly (200) comprises one or more gears (201, 202, 203, 204), a rotating member (101), and a shifting member (209). The one or more gears (201, 202, 203, 204) interchangeably transmit a torque in a first configuration and a second configuration. The rotating member (101) receives the drive shaft (300) of the transmission assembly through an opening (104) in order to freely rotate on the drive shaft (300). The rotating member (101) comprises a first head (102), and a second head (103). The first head (102) is enmeshed with a final gear drive (210). The second head (103) is integrated with the first head (102). The second head (103) comprises a plurality of splines (106). The shifting member (209) is configured to slide axially on the plurality of splines (106) in order to interchangeably engage the rotating member (101) in the first configuration and the second configuration. In a preferred embodiment, the shifting member (209) is a dog drive. The dog drive is provided with a plurality of face lugs in order to engage with the one or more gears (201, 202, 203, 204).
[0047] The rotating member (101) is mounted as free running gear on the drive shaft (300). The rotating member (101) receives the drive from the shifting member (209). The shifting member (209) connects rotating member (101) with the one or more gears (201, 202, 203, 204) in two different configurations. Thus, the rotating member (101) is configured to transmit power to the final gear drive (210) in two different speed / torque ratio as per the load requirements. Further, the one or more gears (201, 202, 203, 204) are positioned at final reduction stage. Therefore, the load upon the gearbox gear is not increased and the compact layout of the transmission remains uncompromised. Further, the proposed configuration does not require major modifications in the design of gear box or designing a new gear box altogether. Also, the proposed configuration does not require separate gearbox with higher reduction. Therefore, the maximum vehicle speed and fuel economy are not adversely affected.
[0048] The first configuration provides a high speed and a low torque transmission depending upon the provided gear teeth combination. Therefore, this configuration is suitable for situations when the load requirement is moderate.
[0049] The second configuration provides a low speed and a high torque transmission depending upon the provided gear teeth combination. Therefore, this configuration is suitable for situations when the load requirement is high such as for the tasks like climbing up on steep slopes or the like.
[0050] The one or more gears (201, 202, 203, 204) comprises a high drive gear (201), a high driven gear (202), a low drive gear (203) and a low driven gear (204).
[0051] The low driven gear (204) is mounted between the first head (102) and the second head (103) on the rotating member (101). The low driven gear (204) rotates freely on the rotating member (101). The axial movement of the low driven gear (204) along the rotating member (101) is inhibited. Also, an axial movement of the rotating member (101) along the drive shaft (300) is inhibited. The high drive gear (201) is coaxial with the low driven gear (204). The high drive gear (201) is mounted on the drive shaft (300). In a preferred embodiment, the high drive gear (201) is mounted on the drive shaft (300) using spleens. The high drive gear (201) integrally rotates with the drive shaft (300).
[0052] The high driven gear (202) and the low drive gear (203) are mounted coaxially on a shaft member (301) of the transmission assembly. The high driven gear (202) and the low drive gear (203) integrally rotate with the shaft member (301). The drive shaft (300) is parallelly aligned with the shaft member (301). In a preferred embodiment, the shaft member (301) is positioned above the drive shaft (300). This configuration doesn’t increase the size of the gearbox in downward direction in order to ensure required ground clearance.
[0053] The high drive gear (201) is enmeshed with the high driven gear (202). The high drive gear (201) rotates the high driven gear (202). The low drive gear (203) is enmeshed with the low driven gear (204). The low drive gear (203) rotates the low driven gear (204).
[0054] Figure 6 illustrates a sectional view of the gear assembly (200) with a shifting assembly (205). The shifting assembly (205) controls a position of the shifting member (209) on the plurality of splines (106) of the second head (103) of the rotating member (101). The shifting assembly (205) comprises a pulley (206). The pulley (206) operates a cam drum (207). The cam drum (207) slides the shifting member (209) axially on the plurality of splines (106) through a fork (208). The shifting assembly (205) is crucial for selecting the appropriate gear set which can transmit torque in either in the first configuration or the second configuration, based on the driving situation. This allows the driver to adapt to various conditions and optimize the vehicle's performance.
[0055] The embodiments shown in Figure 7 and Figure 8 are taken together for discussion. Figure 7 illustrates a transmission of torque in a first configuration. Figure 8 illustrates a transmission of torque in a second configuration.
[0056] The shifting member (209) is disposed between the high drive gear (201) and the low driven gear (204). The shifting member (209) comprises one or more protrusions. The one or more protrusions are a plurality of high drive protrusions (209A) and a plurality of low drive protrusions (209B).
[0057] In the first configuration as shown in figure 7, a counter shaft (not shown) is rotatably connected to a crankshaft (not shown) of the internal combustion engine (100) via a clutch assembly (not shown). The countershaft is provided with one or more counter gears (not shown). The countershaft receives the torque from the crankshaft via the clutch assembly thereby integrally rotating the one or more counter gears. The one or more counter gears are enmeshed with one or more drive gears (401). The one or more drive gears (401) receive torque from the one or more counter gears in order to rotate freely on the shaft drive member (400).
[0058] The one or more drive gears (401) are enmeshed with one or more driven gears (303). The one or more driven gears (303) are integrally mounted on to the drive shaft (300) in order to rotate the drive shaft (300). The drive shaft (300) is parallelly disposed with respect to the shaft drive member (400). The one or more driven gears (303) receive torque from one or more drive gears (401) in order to integrally rotate with the drive shaft (300). The rotation of the drive shaft (300) results in the rotation of the high drive gear (201) because the high drive gear (201) is integrally mounted upon the drive shaft (300).
[0059] The shifting member (209) slides axially on the plurality of splines (106) of the rotating member (101) to engage with the high drive gear (201). The plurality of high drive protrusions (209A) of the shifting member (209) is received by one or more high gear grooves (201A) of the high drive gear (201). The shifting member (209) receives torque from the high drive gear (201). The shifting member (209) transfers torque to the rotating member (101). Therefore, the rotating member (101) receives the torque from the high drive gear (201) through the shifting member (209). The rotating member (101) rotates freely on the drive shaft (300). The rotating member (101) eventually transfers the torque to the final gear drive (210) in the first configuration.
[0060] Accordingly, the user of the vehicle will receive a high speed and a low torque transmission in the first configuration. The first configuration can easily cater the need of navigation at high speed and improves fuel economy. The high speed is achieved without a separate gearbox with higher reduction, without compromising with the maximum speed of the vehicle and without major modifications in the design of gear box.
[0061] In the second configuration as shown in figure 8, a counter shaft (not shown) is rotatably connected to a crankshaft (not shown) of the internal combustion engine (100) via a clutch assembly (not shown). The countershaft is provided with one or more counter gears (not shown). The countershaft receives the torque from the crankshaft via the clutch assembly thereby integrally rotating the one or more counter gears. The one or more counter gears are enmeshed with one or more drive gears (401). The one or more drive gears (401) receive torque from the one or more counter gears in order to rotate freely on the shaft drive member (400).
[0062] The one or more drive gears (401) are enmeshed with one or more driven gears (303). The one or more driven gears (303) are integrally mounted on to the drive shaft (300) in order to rotate the drive shaft (300). The drive shaft (300) is parallelly disposed with respect to the shaft drive member (400). The one or more driven gears (303) receive torque from one or more drive gears (401) in order to integrally rotate with the drive shaft (300). The rotation of the drive shaft (300) results in the rotation of the high drive gear (201) because the high drive gear (201) is integrally mounted upon the drive shaft (300).
[0063] The high drive gear (201) transfers the torque to a high-driven gear (202). The high-driven gear (202) rotates a shaft member (301) in order to integrally rotate the low drive gear (203) with the shaft member (301). The low drive gear (203) transfers the torque to a low driven gear (204). The low driven gear (204) freely rotates on the rotating member (101). The shifting member (209) slides axially on the plurality of splines (106) of the rotating member (101) to engage with the low driven gear (204). The plurality of low drive protrusions (209B) of the shifting member (209) is received by one or more low gear grooves (204A) of the low driven gear (204). The shifting member (209) receives torque from the low driven gear (204). The shifting member (209) transfers the torque to the rotating member (101). Therefore, the rotating member (101) receives the torque from the low driven gear (204) via the shifting member (209). The rotating member (101) rotates freely on the drive shaft (300). The rotating member (101) eventually transfers the torque to the final gear drive (210) in the second configuration.
[0064] Accordingly, the user of the vehicle will receive a low speed and a high torque transmission in the second configuration. The second configuration can easily cater the need of higher climbing capacity required for climbing a slope with the cargo loaded in the vehicle. The higher climbing capacity is achieved without a separate gearbox with higher reduction, without compromising with the maximum speed of the vehicle and without major modifications in the design of gear box.
[0065] The final gear drive (210) transfers the power to one or more rotating components of a vehicle via a differential assembly interchangeably in the configuration first configuration and the second configuration. The operating mode is based upon the selection made by the user of the vehicle depending on load requirement. The final gear drive (210) serves as the intermediary between the one or more gears (201, 202, 203, 204) and ultimately transfers the power to the one or more rotating components, which could be the wheels in a vehicle.
[0066] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to an embodiment of a method (500) for a torque transmission in a vehicle, along with the accompanying drawings. However, the disclosed invention is not limited to the present embodiments. Figure 9 illustrates a flow chart depicting the method (500) for the torque transmission in the vehicle.
[0067] The method (500) comprises a plurality of steps. In a first step (501), a high drive gear (201) rotates integrally with the drive shaft (300). In a second step (502), a rotating member (101) receives a torque through a shifting member (209) in order to freely rotate on a drive shaft (300). The shifting member (209) slides axially on a plurality of splines (106) of the rotating member (101). The axial sliding movement of the shifting member (209) allows an interchangeable engagement of the rotating member (101) in a first configuration and in a second configuration.
[0068] In the first configuration, the shifting member (209) slides axially on the plurality of splines (106) to engage with the high drive gear (201). The shifting member (209) receives the torque from the high drive gear (201). The shifting member (209) transfers the torque to the rotating member (101).
[0069] In the second configuration, the high drive gear (201) transfers the torque to a high-driven gear (202). The high-driven gear (202) rotates a shaft member (301) in order to integrally rotate the low drive gear (203) with the shaft member (301). The low drive gear (203) transfers the torque to a low driven gear (204). The low driven gear (204) freely rotates on the rotating member (101). The shifting member (209) slides axially on the plurality of splines (106) to engage with the low driven gear (204). The shifting member (209) receives torque from the low driven gear (204). The shifting member (209) transfers the torque to the rotating member (101).
[0070] In a third step (503), the rotating member (101) transfers torque to a final gear drive (210). In the fourth step (504), the final gear drive (210) transfers torque to a differential assembly. In the fifth step (505), the differential assembly transfers the torque to one or more rotating components, which could be the wheels in a vehicle.
[0071] A countershaft receives the torque from the internal combustion engine (100) via a crankshaft. The countershaft transfers the torque to a shaft drive member (400, shown in Fig. 8) via one or more counter gears. The shaft drive member (400) receives the torque from the one or more counter gears via one or more drive gears (401). The one or more drive gears (401) transfer the torque to the drive shaft (300) through one or more driven gears (303).
[0072] The disclosed gear assembly (200) and method (500) enables the user select between the two different operating modes, as per the different load requirements, without compromising with the maximum vehicle speed. Thus, achieving adequate acceleration, optimum speed and better fuel efficiency. The solution proposed by the present invention does not require any modification in the gear box. Accordingly, one of the key advantages of the disclosed gear assembly (200) is also its adaptability. The gear assembly (200) can be used in multiple vehicle models and variants without modifying the gear box. It may not therefore also require other vehicular configuration including but not limited to design and/or packaging. This versatility simplifies the production process, reduces costs, and allows manufacturers to offer a range of vehicles with configurations while using the same core gear assembly (200). This streamlines the manufacturing process and reduces the overall complexity, part count and cost associated with producing different versions of the gear box for different vehicle variants. Further, the present invention provides adequate acceleration, optimum speed and fuel economy without compromising with the compact layout of gear box.
[0073] The present disclosed invention relates to a gear assembly (200) and method (500). Embodiments illustrated in the present invention relates to a three-wheeled vehicle. However, the present invention can also be worked with the vehicles having multi-axle configuration. Further, the disclosed invention is not limited to the aforementioned embodiments. For example, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “they” can include plural referents unless the content clearly indicates otherwise. Further, when introducing elements/components/etc. of the assembly/system/methods described and/or illustrated herein, the articles “a”, “an”, “the”, and “said” are intended to mean that there is one or more of the element(s)/component(s)/etc. The terms “comprising”, “including”, and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional element(s)/component(s)/etc. other than the listed element(s)/component(s)/etc.
[0074] This written description uses examples to provide details on the disclosure, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The scope of the disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.
[0075] It is to be understood that the aspects of the embodiments are not necessarily limited to the features described herein. Many modifications and variations of the present subject matter are possible in the light of above disclosure.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

100
101
102
103
104
106
200 Internal combustion engine
Rotating member
First head
Second head
Opening
Plurality of splines
Gear assembly
201
201A
202
203
204
204A
205
206
207
208
209
209A
209B
210
300
301
303
400
401
500
501
502
503
504
505 High drive gear
One or more high gear grooves
High driven gear
Low drive gear
Low driven gear
One or more low gear grooves
Shifting assembly
Pulley
Cam drum
Fork
Shifting member
Plurality of high drive protrusions
Plurality of low drive protrusions
Final gear drive
Drive shaft
Shaft member
One or more driven gears
Shaft drive member
One or more drive gears
Method for torque transmission
First step
Second step
Third step
Fourth step
Fifth step

, Claims:We Claim:
1. A gear assembly (200) for a transmission assembly of an internal combustion engine (100), the gear assembly (200) comprising:
one or more gears (201, 202, 203, 204), the one or more gears (201, 202, 203, 204) being configured to interchangeably transmit a torque in a first configuration and a second configuration;
a rotating member (101), the rotating member (101) being configured to receive a drive shaft (300) of the transmission assembly through an opening (104) in order to freely rotate on the drive shaft (300), the rotating member (101) comprising:
a first head (102), the first head (102) being configured to be enmeshed with a final gear drive (210), and
a second head (103), the second head (103) being integrated with the first head (102), the second head (103) comprising a plurality of splines (106); and
a shifting member (209), the shifting member (209) being configured to slide axially on the plurality of splines (106) in order to interchangeably engage the rotating member (101) in the first configuration and the second configuration.
2. The gear assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more gears (201, 202, 203, 204) comprising a high drive gear (201), a high driven gear (202), a low drive gear (203) and a low driven gear (204); the first configuration being adapted to provide a high speed and a low torque transmission, and the second configuration being adapted to provide a low speed and a high torque transmission.
3. The gear assembly (200) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the high driven gear (202) and the low drive gear (203) being mounted coaxially on a shaft member (301) of the transmission assembly, the high driven gear (202) and the low drive gear (203) being configured to rotate integrally with the shaft member (301).
4. The gear assembly (200) as claimed in 3, wherein the low driven gear (204) being mounted between the first head (102) and the second head (103) on the rotating member (101), the low driven gear (204) being configured to rotate freely on the rotating member (101) and the axial movement of the low driven gear (204), along the rotating member (101) being inhibited.
5. The gear assembly (200) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the high drive gear (201) being configured to be coaxial with the low driven gear (204), and the high drive gear (201) being mounted on the drive shaft (300), the high drive gear (201) being configured to rotate integrally with the drive shaft (300), the drive shaft (300) being configured to be parallelly aligned with the shaft member (301).
6. The gear assembly (200) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the high drive gear (201) being configured to be enmeshed with the high driven gear (202), the high drive gear (201) being configured to rotate the high driven gear (202), the low drive gear (203) being configured to be enmeshed with the low driven gear (204), the low drive gear (203) being configured to rotate the low driven gear (204).
7. The gear assembly (200) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the shifting member (209) being disposed between the high drive gear (201) and the low driven gear (204), the shifting member (209) comprising one or more protrusions, the one or more protrusions comprising a plurality of high drive protrusions (209A) and a plurality of low drive protrusions (209B), the plurality of high drive protrusions (209A) being configured to be engaged by one or more high gear grooves (201A) of the high drive gear (201) in the first configuration, the plurality of low drive protrusions (209B) being configured to be engaged by one or more low gear grooves (204A) of the low driven gear (204) in the second configuration.
8. The gear assembly (200) as claimed in claim in 7, wherein, in the first configuration, the rotating member (101) being configured to receive the torque from the high drive gear (201) and the rotating member (101) being configured to transfer the torque to the final gear drive (210).
9. The gear assembly (200) as claimed in claim 7, wherein, in the second configuration, the high drive gear (201) being configured to transfer the torque from the drive shaft (300) to the high driven gear (202), the high driven gear (202) being configured to rotate the shaft member (301), the low drive gear (203) being configured to integrally rotate with the shaft member (301) and the low drive gear (203) being configured to transfer the torque to the low driven gear (204), the rotating member (101) being configured to receive the torque from the low driven gear (204) and the rotating member (101) being configured to transfer the torque to the final gear drive (210).
10. The gear assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein an axial movement of the rotating member (101) along the drive shaft (300) being inhibited.
11. The gear assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a shifting assembly (205) is provided, the shifting assembly (205) being configured to control a position of the shifting member (209) on the plurality of splines (106).
12. The gear assembly (200) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the shifting assembly (205) comprising a pulley (206), the pulley (206) being configured to operate a cam drum (207), the cam drum (207) being configured to axially slide the shifting member (209) on the plurality of splines (106) via a fork (208).
13. The gear assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the drive shaft (300) being configured to receive one or more driven gears (303), the one or more driven gears (303) being mounted integrally to the drive shaft (300), the one or more driven gears (303) being configured to rotate the drive shaft (300); and the drive shaft (300) being configured to receive the torque from the shaft drive member (400) via the one or more driven gears (303).
14. The gear assembly (200) as claimed in claim 13, wherein the drive shaft (300) being parallel to a shaft drive member (400) of the transmission assembly, the shaft drive member (400) comprising one or more drive gears (401), the one or more drive gears (401) being configured to rotate freely on the shaft drive member (400), the one or more drive gears (401) being configured to be enmeshed with the one or more driven gears (303) thereby rotating the one or more driven gears (303).
15. The gear assembly (200) as claimed in claim 14, wherein the shaft drive member (400) being configured to be rotatably connected to a counter shaft of the transmission assembly, the counter shaft being configured to be rotatably connected to a crankshaft of the internal combustion engine (100) via a clutch assembly, the countershaft being configured to transfer the torque from the crankshaft to the shaft drive member (400) via one or more counter gears, the one or more counter gears being configured to be enmeshed with the one or more drive gears (401) thereby rotating the one or more drive gears (401).
16. The gear assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the final gear drive (210) being configured to transfer the power to one or more rotating components of a vehicle via a differential assembly.
17. A method (500) for a torque transmission in a vehicle, the method (500) comprising a plurality of steps of:
as a first step (501), a high drive gear (201) rotates integrally with the drive shaft (300);
as a second step (502), a rotating member (101) receives a torque through a shifting member (209) in order to freely rotate on a drive shaft (300), the shifting member (209) slides axially on a plurality of splines (106) of the rotating member (101) to interchangeably engage the rotating member (101) in a first configuration and in a second configuration; wherein
in the first configuration, the shifting member (209) slides axially on the plurality of splines (106) to engage with the high drive gear (201), the shifting member (209) receives the torque from the high drive gear (201) and the shifting member (209) transfers the torque to the rotating member (101), and
in the second configuration, the high drive gear (201) transfers the torque to a high-driven gear (202), the high-driven gear (202) rotates a shaft member (301) thereby integrally rotating the low drive gear (203) with the shaft member (301), the low drive gear (203) transfers the torque to a low driven gear (204), the low driven gear (204) freely rotates on the rotating member (101), the shifting member (209) slides axially on the plurality of splines (106) to engage with the low driven gear (204), the shifting member (209) receives the torque from the low driven gear (204), the shifting member (209) transfers the torque to the rotating member (101);
as a third step (503), the rotating member (101) transfers torque to a final gear drive (210).
18. The method (500) for the torque transmission in the vehicle as claimed in claim 17, wherein the first configuration being adapted to provide a high speed and a low torque transmission and the second configuration being adapted to provide a low speed and a high torque transmission.
19. The method (500) for the torque transmission in the vehicle as claimed in claim 18, wherein the method (500) comprises a fourth step (504) and a fifth step (505), as the fourth step (504) the final gear drive (210) transfers torque to a differential assembly, as the fifth step (505), the differential assembly transfers the torque to one or more rotating components of the vehicle.
20. The method (500) for torque transmission in the vehicle as claimed in claim 18, wherein a countershaft receives the torque from the internal combustion engine (100) via a crankshaft, the countershaft transfers the torque to a shaft drive member (400) via one or more counter gears, the shaft drive member (400) receives the torque from the one or more counter gears via one or more drive gears (401), the one or more drive gears (401) transfer the torque to the drive shaft (300), the drive shaft (300) receives the torque via one or more driven gears (303).
21. The method (500) for torque transmission in the vehicle as claimed in claim 18, wherein in the first configuration the shifting member (209) engages one or more high drive grooves (201A) of the high drive gear (201) via a plurality of high drive protrusions (209A) to transfer the torque from the high drive gear (201) to the rotating member (101), in the second configuration the shifting member (209) engages one or more low gear grooves (204A) of the low driven gear (204) via a plurality of low drive protrusions (209B) to transfer the torque from the low driven gear (204) to the rotating member (101).

Dated this 04th day of January, 2024

(Digitally Signed)
Sudarshan Singh Shekhawat
IN/PA-1611
Agent for the Applicant