Transmission with dual bi-directional input and single bi-directional output

Abstract

A dual bidirectional input to single bidirectional output transmission (or gear box) comprising of unique gear ratios between each of the bidirectional inputs and the single, or common, bidirectional output is disclosed. The gear box has a gear train design with two bidirectional inputs and one (or common) bidirectional output. The device is configured to enable torque to be transmitted through either one or both of the bidirectional inputs to the bidirectional output. The gear train may be a constant mesh system which eliminates sliding splines, dog clutches or synchronizers to switch between operational modes. A locking feature/component/element allows the power or torque to be transmitted from a first bidirectional input to the common bidirectional output using a second bidirectional input as a fixed rotation reference. Similarly power or torque from the second bidirectional input to the common bidirectional output may use the first bidirectional input as a fixed rotation reference. The disclosure may also include a planetary gear set load combiner to cause both bidirectional inputs to transmit torque or power to the common output simultaneously. Additionally, the locking feature/component/element enables the transfer of torque from either inputs independently without back driving the other input.