Claims:We claim:
1. A multi-speed and multi-output device (100) comprising:
a first rotating member (104) mounted onto an input rotating member (101);
a plurality of disengaging members (105) moveably held by said first rotating member (104);
a planetary gear train (107T) comprising a planet gear carrier (107), a plurality of planet gears (108), a ring gear (109), and a sun gear (110), where said planet gear carrier (107) is disposed adjacent to said first rotating member (104) and mounted onto said input rotating member (101), said planet gears (108) is rotatably connected to said planet gear carrier (107) and said ring gear (109), and said sun gear (110) is rotatably connected to said planet gears (108), where said sun gear (110) is adapted to be freely mounted on said input rotating member (101);
a plurality of brake drums (111) disposed above said plurality of disengaging members (105) in a concentric manner, each of said brake drum (111) having a brake liner (112) disposed in an inner surface of corresponding to said brake drum (111), wherein each of said brake liner (112) is adapted to one of engage or disengage with respect to said ring gear (109);
a first output member (Po) rotatably connected to said planet gear carrier (107); and
a second output member (Pv) rotatably connected to said sun gear (110).

2. The multi-speed and multi-output device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said device (100) includes a stationary housing (102) adapted to be freely mounted onto said input rotating member (101).

3. The multi-speed and multi-output device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said device (100) includes a plurality of first resilient members (106), where one end of each of said first resilient member (106) is connected to corresponding disengaging member (105) and another end of each of said resilient member (106) is connected to said first rotating member (104), said plurality of first resilient members (106) are adapted to hold said plurality of disengaging members (105) with respect to said first rotating member (104),
wherein,
each of said first resilient member (106) is at least a spring.

4. The multi-speed and multi-output device (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein each of said brake liner (112) is disengaged from said ring gear (109) thereby unlocking said ring gear (109) in response to each of said disengaging member (105) moving in a direction towards corresponding said brake drum (111) thereby pushing said brake drum (111) in a direction towards said stationary housing (102), when a centrifugal force acting on said plurality of disengaging members (105) exceeds a tensile force of said plurality of first resilient members (106), on rotational speed of said input rotating member (101) exceeding a threshold speed (ST); and
said first output member (Po) and said second output member (Pv) are adapted to rotate at a speed equal to said rotational speed of said input rotating member (101), when said rotational speed of said input rotating member (101) exceeds said threshold speed (ST).

5. The multi-speed and multi-output device (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein each of said brake liner (112) is engaged with said ring gear (109) thereby locking said ring gear (109) in response to each of said disengaging member (105) moving away from corresponding said brake drum (111) in a direction towards said first rotating member (104), when said centrifugal force acting on said plurality of disengaging members (105) is lower than the tensile force of said plurality of first resilient members (106), on rotational speed of said input rotating member (101) falls below said threshold speed (ST); and
said first output member (Po) is adapted to rotate at a speed equal to the rotational speed of said input rotational member (101), and said second output member (Pv) is adapted to rotate at a speed higher than said rotational speed of said input rotating member (101), when said rotational speed of said input rotating member (101) falls below said threshold speed (ST).

6. The multi-speed and multi-output device (100) as claimed in claims 3 and 4, wherein said threshold speed (ST) is a predetermined rotational speed of the input rotating member (101), below which said brake liners (112) are engaged with said ring gear (109), and beyond which said brake liners (112) are disengaged from said ring gear (109).

7. The multi-speed and multi-output device (100) as claimed in claim 1, said device (100) includes a plurality of second resilient members (113), where one end of each of said second resilient member (113) is connected to said stationary housing (102) and another end of each of said second resilient member (113) is connected to corresponding said brake drum (111),
wherein,
each of said second resilient member (113) is at least a spring.

8. The multi-speed and multi-output device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said device (100) comprises a first bearing (103) adapted to mount said stationary housing (102) onto said input rotating member (101).

9. The multi-speed and multi-output device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said device (100) includes a plurality of carrier studs (114) adapted to connect said first output member (Po) to said planet gear carrier (107) to rotate said first output member (Po) at a speed equal to said rotational speed of said input rotating member (101) via said planet gear carrier (107).

10. The multi-speed and multi-output device (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said ring gear (109) is adapted to be held in one of:
a locked position in which said brake liners (112) are engaged with said ring gear (109), when rotational speed of said input rotating member (101) falls below said threshold speed (ST); and
an unlocked position in which said brake liners (112) are disengaged from said ring gear (109), when said rotational speed of said input rotating member (101) exceeds said threshold speed (ST).

11. The multi-speed and multi-output device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said input rotating member (101) is at least a crankshaft;
each of said disengaging member (105) is at least a fly weight;
said first output member (Po) is a pulley; and
said second output member (Pv) is a pulley.

12. A method (500) of operating a multi-speed and multi-output device (100), said method (500) comprising:
driving, by an input rotating member (101), a first rotating member (104) and a planet gear carrier (107);
disengaging a plurality of brake liners (112) from a ring gear (109) thereby unlocking said ring gear (109) in response to moving each disengaging member (105) in a direction towards corresponding brake drum (111) thereby pushing said brake drums (111) in a direction towards a stationary housing (102), when a centrifugal force acting on each of said disengaging member (105) exceeds a tensile force of corresponding first resilient member (106), on rotational speed of said input rotating member (101) exceeding a threshold speed (ST); and
rotating, a first output member (Po) and a second output member (Pv) at a speed equal to a rotational speed of said input rotating member (101), when said rotational speed of said input rotating member (101) exceeds said threshold speed (ST).

13. The method (500) as claimed in claim 11, wherein said method (500) includes:
engaging, said plurality of brake liners (112) with said ring gear (109)thereby locking said ring gear (109) in response to moving each of said disengaging member (105) away from corresponding said brake drum (111) in a direction towards said first rotating member (104), when said centrifugal force acting on each of said disengaging member (105) is lower than said tensile force of corresponding said first resilient member (106), on rotational speed of said input rotating member (101) is below said threshold speed (ST); and
rotating, said first output member (Po) at a speed equal to said rotational speed of said input rotating member (101), and rotating said second output member (Pv) at a speed higher than said rotational speed of said input rotating member (101), when the rotational speed of said input rotating member (101) is below said threshold speed (ST).

14. The method (500) as claimed in claim 11, wherein said method (500) includes:
rotatably connecting a plurality of planet gears (108) with said planet gear carrier (107) and said ring gear (109); and
rotatably connecting a sun gear (110) with said plurality of planet gears (108), where said sun gear (110) is adapted to be freely mounted on said input rotating member (101),
wherein
said planet gear carrier (107) is disposed adjacent to said first rotating member (104) and mounted onto said input rotating member (101).

15. The method (500) as claimed in claim 13, wherein said method (500) includes:
driving said first output member (Po) by said planet gear carrier (107);
driving said sun gear (110) by said planet gear carrier (107) through said plurality of planet gears (108); and
driving, said second output member (Pv) by said sun gear (110),
wherein,
said input rotating member (101) is at least a crankshaft;
each of said disengaging member (105) is at least a fly weight;
each of said first resilient member (106) is at least a spring;
said first output member (Po) is a pulley; and
said second output member (Pv) is a pulley.

16. A multi-speed and multi-output device (200) comprising:
a stationary housing (202) adapted to be freely mounted onto an input rotating member (201);
a planetary gear train (207T) comprising a planet gear carrier (207), a plurality of planet gears (208), a ring gear (209), and a sun gear (210), where said planet gear carrier (207) is disposed within said housing (202) and mounted onto said input rotating member (201), said planet gears (208) is rotatably connected to said planet gear carrier (207) and said ring gear (209), and said sun gear (210) is rotatably connected to said planet gears (208), wherein said sun gear (210) is adapted to be freely mounted on said input rotating member (201);
a plurality of brake drums (211) disposed above said ring gear (209) in a concentric manner, each of said brake drum (211) having a brake liner (212) disposed in an inner surface of corresponding to said brake drum (211);
a plurality of linear actuators (216), each of said linear actuator (216) is positioned between corresponding said brake drum (211) and said stationary housing (202), each of linear actuator (216) is configured to one of push or pull corresponding said brake drum (211) to one of engage or disengage corresponding said brake liner (212) with respect to said ring gear (209);
a first output member (Po) rotatably connected to said planet gear carrier (207); and
a second output member (Pv) rotatably connected to said sun gear (210).

17. The multi-speed and multi-output device (200) as claimed in claim 16, wherein a speed sensor (218) is configured to detect a rotational speed of said input rotating member (201); and
a controller (219) configured to receive an input signal from said speed sensor (218) and transfer an output signal to said each of said linear actuator (216) to perform one of push or pull corresponding said brake drum (211) to one of engage or disengage said brake liners (212) with respect to said ring gear (209).

18. The multi-speed and multi-output device (200) as claimed in claim 17, wherein each of said linear actuator (216) is mounted onto said stationary housing (202) at an inner side, where each of said linear actuator (216) includes a linearly movable member (216F) coupled to corresponding said brake drum (211), wherein
said linearly movable member (216F) of each of said linear actuator (216) is adapted to push corresponding said brake drum (211) in a direction towards said ring gear (209) to engage corresponding said brake liner (212) with said ring gear (209) thereby locking said ring gear (209), when each of said linear actuator (216) receives said output signal from said controller (219) based on rotational speed of said input rotating member (201) being below a threshold speed (ST); and
said first output member (Po) is adapted to rotate at a speed equal to the rotational speed of said input rotational member (201), and said second output member (Pv) is adapted to rotate at a speed higher than said rotational speed of said input rotating member (201), when said rotational speed of said input rotating member (201) falls below said threshold speed (ST).

19. The multi-speed and multi-output device (200) as claimed in claim 18, wherein said linearly movable member (216F) of each of said linear actuator (216) is adapted to pull corresponding said brake drum (211) away from said ring gear (209) in a direction towards said stationary housing (202) to disengage corresponding brake liner (212) from said ring gear (209) thereby unlocking said ring gear (209), when each of said linear actuator (216) receives said output signal from said controller (219) based on rotational speed of said input rotating member (101) exceeding said threshold speed (ST); and
said first output member (Po) and said second output member (Pv) are adapted to rotate at a speed equal to said rotational speed of said input rotating member (201), when said rotational speed of said input rotating member (201) exceeds said threshold speed (ST),
wherein,
each of said linear actuator (216) is selected from a group consisting of an electric linear actuator, an electromagnetic linear actuator, a pneumatic linear actuator, and a hydraulic linear actuator;
said input rotating member (201) is at least a crankshaft;
said first output member (Po) is a pulley; and
said second output member (Pv) is a pulley.

20. A method (600) of operating a multi-speed and multi-output device (200), said method (600) comprising:
driving, by an input rotating member (201), a planet gear train (207T);
detecting and communicating, by a speed sensor (218), a rotational speed of said input rotating member (201) to a controller (219);
dis-engaging a plurality of brake liners (212) from a ring gear (209) thereby unlocking said ring gear (209) in response to pulling by a linearly movable member (216F) of each linear actuator (216), corresponding brake drum (211) in a direction away from said ring gear (209), when each of said linear actuator (216) receives an output signal from said controller (219) based on rotational speed of said input rotating member (201) is exceeding a threshold speed (ST); and
rotating, a first output member (Po) and a second output member (Pv) at a speed equal to said rotational speed of said input rotating member (201), when said rotational speed of said input rotating member (201) exceeds said threshold speed (ST).

21. The method (600) as claimed in claim 20, wherein said method (600) includes:
engaging said plurality of brake liners (212) with said ring gear (209) thereby locking said ring gear (209) in response to pushing, said linearly movable member (216F) of each of said linear actuator (216), by corresponding said brake drum (211) towards said ring gear (209), when each of said linear actuator (216) receives another output signal from said controller (219) based on rotational speed of said input rotating member (201) falling below said threshold speed (ST); and
rotating, said first output member (Po) at a speed equal to said rotational speed of said input rotating member (201) and rotating said second output member (Pv) at a speed higher than said rotational speed of said input rotating member (201), when said rotational speed of said input rotating member (201) falls below said threshold speed (ST).

22. The method (600) as claimed in claim 20, wherein said method (600) includes,
rotatably connecting a plurality of planet gears (208) with a planet gear carrier (207) and said ring gear (209);
rotatably connecting a sun gear (210) with said plurality of planet gears (208), where said sun gear (210) is adapted to be freely mounted on said input rotating member (201);
driving said first output member (Po) by said planet gear carrier (207);
driving said sun gear (210) by said planet gear carrier (207) through said plurality of planet gears (208); and
driving said second output member (Pv) by said sun gear (210),
wherein
said planet gear carrier (207) is disposed adjacent to said first rotating member (204) and mounted onto said input rotating member (201);
said input rotating member (201) is at least a crankshaft;
said first output member (Po) is a pulley; and
said second output member (Pv) is a pulley.
, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The embodiments herein generally relate to a multi-speed and multi-output device and method for use in applications such as automotive and industrial machine.

BACKGROUND
[002] A forced air induction system of an internal combustion (IC) engine is used to provide compressed air to the engine to produce more power, torque, to significantly reduce transient and steady state polluting emissions, thereby increasing the efficiency and performance of the engine. Some forced air induction systems of the engine use a supercharger which is an air compressor driven by the engine to provide compressed air to the engine. Superchargers are mechanically driven by the engine and impart a mechanical load on the engine. Currently, the forced air induction system used for the IC engine is a turbocharger which is driven by exhaust gases from the engine. Though, turbocharger does not impart a direct mechanical load on the engine, turbocharger is subjected to exhaust back pressure on engines thereby increasing pumping losses. Further, turbo lag occurs because turbochargers rely on the buildup of exhaust gas pressure to drive a turbine of the turbocharger. The exhaust gas pressure of the engine at idle, low engine speeds, or low throttle is usually insufficient to drive the turbine of the turbocharger. Only when the engine reaches sufficient speed, the turbine spins fast enough to rotate the turbocharger compressor to provide compressed air with intake pressure above atmospheric pressure. Therefore, the turbocharger is effective at higher speeds of the engine whereas the supercharger is effective primarily at lower speeds of the engine and can be adopted at higher engine speeds too.
[003] Currently, the centrifugal superchargers which are available are not very efficient in comparison to screw type superchargers, as they are incapable of delivering the required/adequate air mass at lower engine speeds. For the centrifugal superchargers to overcome this deficiency they are to be designed to deliver higher mass flow at lower engine speeds, which can be achieved either by large size compressors or by higher compressor speeds at lower engine speeds. Due to the space constraint, the higher compressor speeds (compact compressor) are chosen.
[004] Most superchargers include an integral step up gearbox to increase the speed of the air compressor to achieve optimal compressor efficiency. The step up gearbox is complex in design and expensive. In most cases, the supercharger gearbox is a fixed high ratio gearbox and the supercharger is required to be disengaged from the engine to reduce the traction load of driving the supercharger when the engine is operating at higher speeds. Despite the high ratio of enhanced gearbox, there are upper limitations to an achievable ratio of the step-up gearbox, which in turn limits the higher speeds the air compressor can attain at lower engine speeds, and complicates the design of the impeller of the compressor for such application. Hence, engines are provided with both the supercharger and the turbocharger. In such twin charged engines, a centrifugal clutch is used to engage the supercharger with the engine when the crankshaft of the engine is rotating at the lower speed. The centrifugal clutch disengages the supercharger from the engine and the turbocharger provides compressed air to the engine when the crankshaft is rotating at higher speeds.
[005] Further, with a limited single stage step-up ratio of the gearbox, the only way to attain higher output speeds of the gearbox is to provide enhanced speeds at its input in tandem with its step-up ratio. However, with the increase in engine speed, the speeds attained in combination of stepped up input speed to supercharger and the high step-up gear ratio of gearbox becomes undesirable and exceeds the design limitation of the gearbox itself. Therefore, at these higher engine speeds, the input speed to supercharger gearbox has to be reduced. To attain such higher input speeds to supercharger gearbox at lower engine speeds and lower input speeds to supercharger gearbox at higher engine speeds, a crankshaft speed enhancing device with a speed changing capability to subsequently reduce the speed is necessary. At the same time as is known the crankshaft pulley which delivers the output speed of the engine is also simultaneously driving a few more accessories such as water pump, alternator etc and it becomes necessary that such a device does not affect the driving /speed characteristics of such accessories.
[006] Therefore, there exists a need for a multi-speed and multi-output device and method, which obviates the aforementioned drawbacks.

OBJECTS
[007] The principal object of an embodiment herein is to provide a multi-speed and multi-output device for use in applications such as automotive and industrial machines.
[008] Another object of an embodiment herein is to provide a method of providing multi-speed and multi-output device for use in applications such as automotive and industrial machines.
[009] Another object of an embodiment herein is to provide a multi-speed and multi-output device which includes at least one output having enhanced or reduced speed and at least one output having same speed, when compared to an input speed provided by an internal combustion engine.
[0010] Another object of an embodiment herein is to provide a multi-speed and multi-output device which is adapted to be used with a centrifugal supercharger of a gasoline naturally aspirated engine for entire operating speed range of the engine.
[0011] Another object of an embodiment herein is to provide a multi-speed and multi-output device which provides enhanced effectiveness of centrifugal supercharging of diesel engines at low engine speeds.
[0012] Another object of an embodiment herein is to provide a multi-speed and multi-output device which does not require any additional changes in the design of the accessories and sub-systems driven by the crankshaft such as AC compressor (A1), Alternator (A2), Water pump (A3) etc. provided by Vehicle/Engine OEM.
[0013] Another object of an embodiment herein is to provide a multi-speed and multi-output device for use in a twin charged engine.
[0014] Another object of an embodiment herein is to provide a multi-speed and multi-output device, which is reliable and enables precise operability of the supercharger centrifugal clutch.
[0015] Another object of an embodiment herein is to provide a multi-speed and multi-output device which is compact and light weight.
[0016] Another object of an embodiment herein is to provide a multi-speed and multi-output device which is easy to install and inexpensive.
[0017] These and other objects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0018] The embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:
[0019] Fig. 1 depicts a side view of schematic arrangement ofa multi-speed and multi-output device having a ring gear in locked position, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0020] Fig. 2 depicts a side view of schematic arrangement of the multi-speed and multi-output device having the ring gear in unlocked position, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0021] Fig. 3 depicts a front sectional view of the multi-speed and multi-output device taken along A-A of Fig 1, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0022] Fig. 4 depicts a front sectional view of the multi-speed and multi-output device taken along B-B of Fig 1, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0023] Fig. 5 depicts a front sectional view of the multi-speed and multi-output device taken along C-C of Fig 2, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0024] Fig. 6 depicts a front sectional view of the multi-speed and multi-output device taken along D-D of Fig 2, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0025] Fig. 7 depicts an arrangement of a supercharging system in an automobile (IC engine), according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0026] Fig. 8 depicts an arrangement of two independent outputs, one driving the existing accessories, and the other driving a supercharger input pulley, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0027] Fig. 9 depicts a flowchart indicating a method of operating a multi-speed and multi-output device, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0028] Fig. 10a depicts a side view of schematic arrangement of a multi-speed and multi-output device having a ring gear in locked position by actuating an actuator, according to an alternate embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0029] Fig. 10b depicts a block diagram of multi-speed and multi-output device having controller and speed sensor, according to an alternate embodiment as disclosed herein; and
[0030] Fig. 11 depicts a flowchart indicating a method of operating a multi-speed and multi-output device, according to an alternate embodiment as disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0031] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[0032] The embodiments herein achieve a multi-speed and multi-output device for use in applications such as automotive and industrial machines. Further, the embodiments herein achieve a method of providing multi-speed and multi-output device for use in applications such as automotive and industrial machines. Furthermore, the embodiments herein achieve the multi-speed and multi-output device which includes at least one output having enhanced or reduced speed and at least one output having same speed, when compared to an input speed provided by an internal combustion engine. Additionally, the embodiments herein achieve the multi-speed and multi-output device which is adapted to be used with a centrifugal supercharger of a gasoline naturally aspirated engine for entire operating speed range of the engine. Moreover, the embodiments herein achieve the multi-speed and multi-output device which provides enhanced effectiveness of centrifugal supercharging of diesel engines at low engine speeds. Also, the embodiments herein achieve the multi-speed and multi-output device which does not require any additional changes in the design of accessories and sub-systems driven by the crankshaft such as AC compressor (A1), Alternator (A2), Water pump (A3) etc. as provided by the Vehicle/Engine OEM. Further, the embodiments herein achieve the multi-speed and multi-output device for use in a twin charged engine. Furthermore, the embodiments herein achieve the multi-speed and multi-output device, which is reliable and enables precise operability of the supercharger centrifugal clutch. Also, the embodiments herein achieve the multi-speed and multi-output device which is compact and light weight. Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to Figs. 1 through 11, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown embodiments.
[0033] For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the multi-speed and multi-output device (100) is explained herein below with reference to an internal combustion engine. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide the multi-speed and multi-output device (100) for any vehicle and other industrial applications without otherwise deterring the intended function of the multi-speed and multi-output device (100) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings.
[0034] Fig. 1 depicts a side view of schematic arrangement of a multi-speed and multi-output device having a ring gear in locked position, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. Fig. 2 depicts a side view of schematic arrangement of the multi-speed and multi-output device having the ring gear in unlocked position, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the multi-speed and multi-output device (100) includes an input rotating member (101), a stationary housing (102), a first bearing (103), a first rotating member (104), a plurality of disengaging members (105), a plurality of first resilient members (106), a planetary gear train (107T) (not shown), a planet gear carrier (107), a plurality of planet gears (108), a ring gear (109), a sun gear (110), a plurality of brake drums (111), a brake liner (112), a plurality of second resilient members (113), a plurality of carrier studs (114), a second bearing (115), a first output member (Po), and a second output member (Pv).
[0035] The multi-speed and multi-output device (100) includes the stationary housing (102) which is mounted freely onto the input rotating member (101). The stationary housing is mounted on to the input rotating member (101) using the bearing (103). The stationary housing (102) is configured to enclose the entire components of the device (100). In an embodiment, the housing (102) is retrofitted to the input rotating member (101). In an embodiment, the input rotating member (101) is a crankshaft. Further, the multi-speed and multi-output device (100) includes the first rotating member (104) which is disposed within the housing (102) and mounted on to the input rotating member (101). In an embodiment, the first rotating member (104) is a circular disc shaped member. The first rotating member (104) is mounted and keyed to the crankshaft (101) and always rotates at the input rotating member (101) speed. Further, the first rotating member (104) is adapted to hold and support the plurality of disengaging members (105).
[0036] Fig. 3 depicts a front sectional view of the multi-speed and multi-output device taken along A-A of Fig 1, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. Fig. 4 depicts a front sectional view of the multi-speed and multi-output device taken along B-B of Fig 1, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. The multi-speed and multi-output device (100) includes the plurality of disengaging members (105) which are adapted to move relative to the first rotating member (104). In an embodiment, the disengaging members (105) are at least fly weights. In an embodiment, the plurality of disengaging members (105) are concentrically disposed around the first rotating member (104). Further, the multi-speed and multi-output device (100) includes the plurality of first resilient members (106) which are connected between the first rotating member (104) and the plurality of disengaging members (105). The plurality of disengaging members (105) and the first rotating member (104) are held in a predetermined position by a tensile force applied by the plurality of first resilient members (106).
[0037] Furthermore, the multi-speed and multi-output device (100) includes the planetary gear train (107T) which is mounted on to the input rotating member (101). The planetary gear train (107T) comprises the planet gear carrier (107), the plurality of planet gears (108), the ring gear (109), and the sun gear (110). The planet gear carrier (107) is disposed adjacent to the first rotating member (104) and is mounted onto the input rotating member (101). The planet gear carrier (107) is adapted to rotate at a speed of the rotational speed of the input rotating member (101). Further, the plurality of planet gears (108) are rotatably connected to the planet gear carrier (107). The plurality of planet gears (108) are mounted in the planet gear carrier (107) such that it meshes radially outwards with the ring gear (109) and radially inwards with the sun gear (110). The plurality of planet gears (108) are disposed such that it facilitates in transferring motion of the planet gear carrier (107) to the sun gear (110). The sun gear (110) is adapted to be freely mounted on the input rotating member (101) using the second bearing (115). Further, the planet gear carrier (107) includes the plurality of carrier studs (114) which are disposed at predetermined locations. The plurality of carrier studs (114) are adapted to connect the first output member (Po) to the planet gear carrier (107), to rotate the first output member (Po) at the speed equal to the rotational speed of the input rotating member (101).
[0038] Fig. 5 depicts a front sectional view of the multi-speed and multi-output device taken along C-C of Fig 2, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. Fig. 6 depicts a front sectional view of the multi-speed and multi-output device taken along D-D of Fig 2, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. The multi-speed and multi-output device (100) further includes the plurality of brake drum (111) which are disposed concentrically above the plurality of disengaging members (105). Each of the brake drum (111) includes the brake liner (112) which is disposed towards an inner surface of the brake drum (111). The brake liner (112) is adapted to one of selectively engage or disengage with the ring gear (109). The ring gear (109) is adapted to be held in one of a locked position in which the brake liners (112) are engaged with the ring gear (109) and an unlocked position in which said brake liners (112) are disengaged from the ring gear (109).
[0039] The multi-speed and multi-output device (100) further includes the first output member (Po), and the second output member (Pv). The first output member (Po) is rotatably connected to the planet gear carrier (107) and the second output member (Pv) is rotatably connected to the sun gear (110). In an embodiment, each of the first output member (Po) and the second output member (Pv) is at least a pulley. The first output member (Po) is configured to rotate at the speed of the rotational speed of the input rotating member (101) in the complete range of operating speeds of the input rotating member (101) and the second output member (Pv) is adapted to be rotated in one of higher speed and equal speed with respect to the rotational speed of the input rotating member (101). The second output member (Pv) rotates at a speed higher than the rotational speed of said input rotating member (101), when the rotational speed of said input rotating member (101) is below a threshold speed (ST), while, the second output member (Pv) rotate at a speed equal to the rotational speed of the input rotational member (101), when the rotational speed of said input rotating member (101) is above the threshold speed (ST). In an embodiment, the threshold speed (ST) is a predetermined rotational speed of the input rotating member (101), below which said brake liners (112) are engaged with said ring gear (109), and beyond which said brake liners (112)are disengaged from said ring gear (109).
[0040] The working of the multi-speed and multi-output device (100) is as follows. When the engine is rotating at idling speed to low speeds of upto for example, 1300 rpm, the disengaging member (105) is retained in a radially inwards position by the first resilient member (106) as shown in Fig.3. In an embodiment, the first resilient member (106) is at least a spring. At these speeds the centrifugal force acting on disengaging member (105) is less than the tensile force of the first resilient members (106) acting radially inwards and hence disengaging member (105) are free and do not radially contact the brake drum (111). At these lower engine speeds, the input rotating member (101) rotates at the engine speed and drives both the first rotating member (104) and the planet carrier (107) at the same speed as that of the input rotating member (101). At these speeds, the ring gear (109) is locked and held in locked position by the radial braking force applied by the brake liner (112) which in turn is attached to inner surface of the brake drum (111), which is pushed radially inwards by the plurality of second resilient members (113) (compression springs (113)) placed in the stationary housing (102).
[0041] As known by the principle of planetary gearing, if the gear arrangement is such that the input rotation is given to the planets carrier (107), the ring gear (109) is locked/fixed and rotational movement disabled, and the output is taken from the sun gear (110), then the output speed of the sun gear (110) is higher w.r.t the input speed. This is governed by a formula: ZS / (ZS + ZR) where ZS denotes number of teeth in sun gear (110) and ZR denotes number of teeth in ring gear (109).
[0042] Hence in the embodiment herein, the speed of the sun gear (110) is increased by the ratio 1/( ZS / (ZS + ZR)) w.r.t speed of the planet carrier(107) which is also the speed of crankshaft(101). Therefore the speed of the second output member (Pv) which is connected to the sun gear (110) is increased w.r.t. speed of the crankshaft (101). Further, since the planet carrier (107) is connected directly to the crankshaft (101), it rotates at the same speed as that of the crankshaft (101). The first output member (Po) which in-turn is connected to the planet carrier (107) through the carrier studs (114) also rotates at the same speed of the crankshaft (101). Thus as seen above, one input from the crankshaft (101) is capable of delivering two independent outputs through two output members (Po) and (PV) which rotate simultaneously and independently at two different speeds, i.e. the Po rotates at speed equal to speed of the crankshaft (101) and the PV rotates at an increased speed w.r.t the speed of the crankshaft (101).
[0043] Further, when the Engine is rotating at high speeds. (For example greater than 1300 rpm, the centrifugal forces acting on the disengaging members (105) increase and at some point exceed the combined force of tensile force of the first resilient members (106) and compression force of the second resilient members (113) and drives the disengaging members (105) radially outward not only to contact the brake drum (111) but also push the brake drum (111) outward i.e towards the stationary housing (1020. This action pushes the brake liner (112) on the inner surface of the brake drum (111) to move outwards and releases a holding force on the ring gear (109). This action releases the ring gear (109) for free rotation due to rotation of meshing of the planet gears (108) about their axes and also the rotation of the planet gear carrier (107) about its axis with input speed of the crankshaft (101). Thus with ring gear (109) released for free rotation, all the three gears namely ring gear (109), planet gears (108) and the sun gear (110) are free to rotate. With such a condition in the planetary gearing, the output speed of the sun gear (110) is equal to speed of the planer gear carrier (107) which is also driven at the speed of the crankshaft (101). The planet gear carrier (107) being directly connected to crankshaft (101), always rotates at the engine speed, and in turn rotates the connected first output member (Po), the speed of the Po is unaffected by the change in speed of sun gear (110) or change in the speed of (Pv) which is directly connected to the sun gear (110).
[0044] As observed in the operation of the embodiments above, the embodiments herein are able to simultaneously deliver output in two independent channels: i.e to the first output member (Po) and the second output member (Pv). The first output member (Po) delivers the rotating speeds always equal to the engine speed for the complete operating range of engine speed. Further, the second output member (Pv) delivers enhanced / step-up speeds w.r.t engine speeds when the engine is rotating at idling or lower range speeds and when the engine rotates at higher ranges, automatically changes to deliver same speed as speed of engine.
[0045] Fig. 7 depicts an arrangement of a supercharging system in an automobile (IC engine), according to embodiments as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the first output member (Po) is adapted to operate other accessories / sub-systems of the engine such as AC compressor (A1), Alternator (A2), Water pump (A3) etc. of the vehicle which needs to be driven at different speeds/ratio than the speed/ratio required for operating supercharging unit. Further, Fig.8 shows the front view of the arrangement of a typical engine with placement of sub-systems or accessories such as AC compressor (A1), Alternator (A2), Water pump (A3) driven by the first output member (Po) and an addition of a supercharging unit (10S) which is also driven by the crankshaft (101) via the second output member Pv, placed on the same axis of the crankshaft (101) and running at a different speed.
[0046] Fig. 9 depicts a flowchart indicating a method of operating a multi-speed and multi-output device, according to another embodiment as disclosed herein. For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the method (500) is explained herein below with reference to multi-speed and multi-output device for use in applications such as automotive and industrial machines. However, it is also within the scope of this invention to practice/implement the entire steps of the method (500) in a same manner or in a different manner or with omission of at least one step to the method (500) or with any addition of at least one step to the method (500) of without otherwise deterring the intended function of the method (500) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings. The method (500) includes driving, by an input rotating member (101), a first rotating member (104) and a planet gear carrier (107) (at step 502). Further, the method (500) includes disengaging a plurality of brake liners (112) from a ring gear (109) thereby unlocking said ring gear (109) in response to moving each disengaging member (105) in a direction towards corresponding brake drum (111) thereby pushing said brake drums (111) in a direction towards a stationary housing (102), when a centrifugal force acting on each of said disengaging member (105) exceeds a tensile force of corresponding first resilient member (106), on rotational speed of said input rotating member (101) exceeding a threshold speed (ST) (at step 504). Furthermore, the method (500) includes rotating, a first output member (Po) and a second output member (Pv) at a speed equal to a rotational speed of said input rotating member (101), when said rotational speed of said input rotating member (101) exceeds said threshold speed (ST) (at step 506). Additionally, the method (500) includes engaging, said plurality of brake liners (112) with said ring gear (109)thereby locking said ring gear (109) in response to moving each of said disengaging member (105) away from corresponding said brake drum (111) in a direction towards said first rotating member (104), when said centrifugal force acting on each of said disengaging member (105) is lower than said tensile force of corresponding said first resilient member (106), on rotational speed of said input rotating member (101) is below said threshold speed (ST) (at step 508). Moreover, the method (500) includes rotating, said first output member (Po) at a speed equal to said rotational speed of said input rotating member (101), and rotating said second output member (Pv) at a speed higher than said rotational speed of said input rotating member (101), when the rotational speed of said input rotating member (101) is below said threshold speed (ST) (at step 510).
[0047] Fig. 10a depicts a side view of schematic arrangement of a multi-speed and multi-output device having a ring gear in locked position by actuating a linear actuator, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. Fig. 10b depicts a block diagram of multi-speed and multi-output device having controller and speed sensor, according to an alternate embodiment as disclosed herein. In an alternate embodiment, the multi-speed and multi-output device (200) includes an input rotating member (201), a stationary housing (202), a planetary gear train (207T) (not shown), a planet gear carrier (207), a plurality of planet gears (208), a ring gear (209), a sun gear (210), a plurality of brake drums (211), a brake liner (212), a plurality of linear actuators (216), a linear actuator casing (216C), a linearly movable member (216F), at least one speed sensor (218), a controller (219), a first output member (Po), and a second output member (Pv).
[0048] The multi-speed and multi-output device (200) includes the stationary housing (202) which is mounted freely onto the input rotating member (201). The stationary housing (202) is configured to enclose the entire components of the device (200). In an embodiment, the input rotating member (201) is a crankshaft. Further, the multi-speed and multi-output device (200) includes the plurality of linear actuators (216). The plurality of linear actuators (216) are disposed within the housing (202) such that one end of each of the plurality of linear actuators (216) is connected to corresponding brake drum (211) and another end of each of the plurality of linear actuators (216) is connected to the housing (202). In an embodiment, each of the linear actuator (216) includes a casing (216C) and a linearly movable member (216F) which is slidably received in the casing (216C). The plurality of linear actuators (216) are adapted to one of push or pull the brake liners (212) via the brake drums (211) with respect to the ring gear (209). In an embodiment, the plurality of linear actuators (216) are selected from a group consisting of electromagnetic linear actuator, pneumatic linear actuator, and hydraulic linear actuator. The linearly movable member (216F) of each of the linear actuator (216) is adapted to one of push or pull corresponding the brake drum (211), by the controller (219), in a direction towards and away from the ring gear (209) to one of engage or disengage corresponding said brake liner (212) with the ring gear (209) thereby locking and unlocking the ring gear (209) with respect to the brake drums (211).
[0049] Further, the multi-speed and multi-output device (200) includes the at least one speed sensor (218) which is configured to detect rotational speed of the input rotating member (201). The speed sensor (218) is configured to generate at least one signal corresponding to the speed of the rotational speed of the input rotating member (201) and transfer the generated signal to the controller (219). The controller (219) is configured to receive the input signal from the speed sensor (218) and generate at least one output to control actuation of the plurality of linear actuators (216). The controller is adapted to perform one of push or pull the brake drum (211) to one of engage or disengage with the ring gear (209), based on the rotational speed of the input rotating member (201).
[0050] Furthermore, the multi-speed and multi-output device (200) includes the planetary gear train (207T) (not shown) which is mounted on to the input rotating member (201). The planetary gear train (207T) comprises the planet gear carrier (207), the plurality of planet gears (208), the ring gear (209), and the sun gear (210). The planet gear carrier (207) is mounted onto the input rotating member (201). The planet gear carrier (207) is adapted to rotate at a speed of the rotational speed of the input rotating member (201). Further, the plurality of planet gears (208) are rotatably connected to the planet gear carrier (207). The plurality of planet gears (208) are mounted in the planet gear carrier (207) such that it meshes radially outwards with the ring gear (209) and radially inwards with the sun gear (210). The plurality of planet gears (208) are disposed such that it facilitates in transferring motion of the planet gear carrier (207) to the sun gear (210). The planet gear carrier (207) is connected to the first output member (Po) to rotate the first output member (Po) at the speed equal to the rotational speed of the input rotating member (201).
[0051] The multi-speed and multi-output device (200) further includes the plurality of brake drum (211) which is disposed concentrically above the ring gear (209). Each of the brake drum (211) includes the brake liner (212) which is disposed towards an inner surface of the brake drum (211). The brake liner (212) is adapted to one of engage or disengage with respect to the ring gear (209). The ring gear (109) is adapted to be held in one of a locked position in which the brake liners (212) are engaged with said ring gear (209) and an unlocked position in which said brake liners (212) are disengaged from the ring gear (209).
[0052] The multi-speed and multi-output device (200) further includes the first output member (Po), and the second output member (Pv). The first output member (Po) is rotatably connected to the planet gear carrier (207) and the second output member (Pv) is rotatably connected to the sun gear (210). In an embodiment, each of the first output member (Po), and the second output member (Pv) is at least a pulley. The first output member (Po) is configured to rotate at the speed of the rotational speed of the input rotating member (201) in complete range of operating speeds of the input rotating member (201) and the second output member (Pv) is adapted to be rotated in one of higher speed and equal speed with respect to the rotational speed of the input rotating member (201). The second output member (Pv) rotates at a speed higher than the rotational speed of said input rotating member (201), when the rotational speed of said input rotating member (201) is below a threshold speed (ST), while, the second output member (Pv) rotate at a speed equal to the rotational speed of the input rotational member (201), when the rotational speed of said input rotating member (201) is above the threshold speed (ST). In an embodiment, the threshold speed (ST) is a predetermined rotational speed of the input rotating member (201), below which said brake liners (212) are engaged with said ring gear (209), and beyond which said brake liners (212) are disengaged from said ring gear (209).
[0053] Fig. 11 depicts a flowchart indicating a method of operating a multi-speed and multi-output device, according to another embodiment as disclosed herein. For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the method (600) is explained herein below with reference to multi-speed and multi-output device for use in applications such as automotive and industrial machines. However, it is also within the scope of this invention to practice/implement the entire steps of the method (600) in a same manner or in a different manner or with omission of at least one step to the method (600) or with any addition of at least one step to the method (600) of without otherwise deterring the intended function of the method (600) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings. The method (600) includes driving, by an input rotating member (201), a planet gear train (207T) (at step 602). Further, the method (600) includes detecting and communicating, by a speed sensor (218), a rotational speed of said input rotating member (201) to a controller (219) (at step 604). Furthermore, the method (600) dis-engaging a plurality of brake liners (212) from a ring gear (209) thereby unlocking said ring gear (209) in response to pulling by a linearly movable member (216F) of each linear actuator (216), corresponding brake drum (211) in a direction away from said ring gear (209), when each of said linear actuator (216) receives an output signal from said controller (219) based on rotational speed of said input rotating member (201) is exceeding a threshold speed (ST) (at step 606). Additionally, the method (600) includes rotating, a first output member (Po) and a second output member (Pv) at a speed equal to said rotational speed of said input rotating member (201), when said rotational speed of said input rotating member (201) exceeds said threshold speed (ST) (at step 608). Moreover, the method (600) includes engaging said plurality of brake liners (212) with said ring gear (209) thereby locking said ring gear (209) in response to pushing, said linearly movable member (216F) of each of said linear actuator (216), by corresponding said brake drum (211) towards said ring gear (209), when each of said linear actuator (216) receives another output signal from said controller (219) based on rotational speed of said input rotating member (201) falling below said threshold speed (ST) (at step 610). Furthermore, the method (600) includes rotating, said first output member (Po) at a speed equal to said rotational speed of said input rotating member (201) and rotating said second output member (Pv) at a speed higher than said rotational speed of said input rotating member (201), when said rotational speed of said input rotating member (201) falls below said threshold speed (ST) (at step 612).
[0054] The technical advantages provided by the embodiments herein include multi output with single input, pre-enhanced engine speed input to the Centrifugal Supercharger of an engine, automatic change in speed of the speed enhancer/reducer output at a predetermined engine speed, enhanced and greater effectiveness of centrifugal supercharging at lower engine speeds, and without any change in design of the accessories and sub-systems driven by the original crankshaft such as AC compressor (A1), Alternator (A2), Water pump (A3) etc. provided by Vehicle /Engine OEM.
[0055] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.