Adding Power of Two Chain Drives Without Slipping

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of combining the power of two independent chain drives operating at different RPMs without causing slipping, focusing on mechanical solutions and stability considerations.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that if the ratio of the two speeds is constant, gearing could be a viable solution.
  • Others propose the use of a continuously variable transmission (CVT) to address the issue of differing RPMs.
  • A participant introduces the concept of a "differential in reverse," questioning the terminology and suggesting it might be referred to as a "combiner."
  • Concerns are raised about the potential for one motor to drive the other backwards, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of the drive system's stability.
  • It is noted that the power output of many motors is dependent on RPM, which necessitates ensuring that one motor does not overpower the other, leading to instability.
  • A reference is made to John Deere's IVT tractors, which utilize a hydrostatic drive and mechanical components to maintain speed and efficiency, suggesting that similar principles could apply to the discussed scenario.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying opinions on the methods to achieve the desired outcome, indicating that multiple competing views remain without a consensus on a definitive solution.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the importance of stability in the drive system and the potential for one motor's performance to affect the other, but specific assumptions and definitions regarding the mechanics involved are not fully resolved.

strawchiu
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is there any way to add power of two independent chain drives having different rpm , such that slipping doesn't occur and driven shaft move with the added resultant power
 
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strawchiu said:
is there any way to add power of two independent chain drives having different rpm , such that slipping doesn't occur and driven shaft move with the added resultant power

Welcome to the PF.

Is the ratio of the 2 speeds constant? If so, you can use gearing. If not, you could consider a CVT (continuously variable transmission) as part of the coupling...
 
A differential in reverse. I believe there is a word for that but it escapes me. Combiner perhaps?
 
Averagesupernova said:
A differential in reverse. I believe there is a word for that but it escapes me. Combiner perhaps?

How cool. I haven't seen that before...
 
Averagesupernova said:
A differential in reverse.

You need to think this through carefully, otherwise you may end up with one motor driving the other motor backwards instead of driving the load. If this is a problem you would have to add something that works the same as a limited slip differential.

For many types of motor, the power output depends on the RPM, so you will need to make sure the drive system is stable, in the sense that one motor can't speed up and produce more power, and force the other motor to slow down and produce less power.
 
AlephZero said:
You need to think this through carefully, otherwise you may end up with one motor driving the other motor backwards instead of driving the load. If this is a problem you would have to add something that works the same as a limited slip differential.

For many types of motor, the power output depends on the RPM, so you will need to make sure the drive system is stable, in the sense that one motor can't speed up and produce more power, and force the other motor to slow down and produce less power.

John Deere does it in their IVT tractors. Nothing new. That is not to say they aren't loaded with sensors to keep tabs on what is going on. The unit has a hydrostatic drive on one side of the combiner and straight in mechanical on the other side. You set a target speed and the computer sets the engine RPM and the IVT to maintain this speed at maximum economy.
 

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