Positioning Tool and Related Method for Circular Lubricant Dike Insert

Abstract

The present invention is titled "Positioning Tool and Related Method for Circular Lubricant Dike Insert". The present invention discloses a positioning tool (100) for axially positioning a circular lubricant dike insert (120) on a keyed drive shaft (110), which may include a circular body (140) having an inner surface (142) configured to slide on the outer surface (128, 150) of the keyed drive shaft (110). A first plurality of key teeth (126, 146, 148) may be positioned on the inner surface (142) of the circular body (140), and the first plurality of key teeth (126, 146, 148) cooperate with a second plurality of key teeth (126, 146, 148) on the outer surface (128, 150) of the keyed drive shaft (110). A depth setting member (160) may be positioned on the circular body (140), and the depth setting member (160) defines an axial range within which the circular body (140) slides on the outer surface (128, 150) of the keyed drive shaft (110). A position setting element (170) may axially extend from the circular body (140) to contact the axial ends (164, 172) of the insert, thereby axially positioning the insert on the keyed drive shaft (110).

Description

Background Art

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to machine manufacturing, and more particularly, to a positioning tool for a circular lubricant dam insert and related methods.

[0002] Gearboxes include various shafts that require continuous lubrication during operation. One way to ensure proper lubrication is to provide a lubricant dam insert around one or more drive shafts in the gearbox. The lubricant dam insert can be a plastic circular element that includes a plurality of radial openings therein to hold lubricant (e.g., oil) and / or distribute the lubricant to specific locations around the drive shaft. The circular lubricant dam insert may include axially extending positioning elements thereon to engage key teeth on the drive shaft, thereby circumferentially positioning the dam insert, but axial positioning can be challenging. Improper axial positioning can result in poor lubrication and / or insert breakage. Summary of the Invention

[0003] A first aspect of the present disclosure provides a positioning tool for axially positioning a circular lubricant dam insert on a keyed drive shaft, the positioning tool comprising: a circular body having an inner surface configured to slide on an outer surface of the keyed drive shaft; a first plurality of key teeth located on the inner surface of the circular body, the first plurality of key teeth being configured to mate with a second plurality of key teeth located on the outer surface of the keyed drive shaft; a depth setting member positioned on the circular body, the depth setting member defining an axial range within which the circular body slides on the outer surface of the keyed drive shaft; and a position setting element axially extending from the circular body, the position setting element being configured to contact an axial end of the circular lubricant dam insert to axially position the circular lubricant dam insert on the keyed drive shaft.

[0004] A second aspect of the present disclosure provides a method of positioning a circular lubricant dam insert on a splined drive shaft, the method comprising: positioning a positioning tool on the splined drive shaft, the positioning tool comprising: a circular body having an inner surface configured to slide on an outer surface of the splined drive shaft; a first plurality of splines located on the inner surface of the circular body, the first plurality of splines being configured to axially mate with a second plurality of splines located on the outer surface of the splined drive shaft during the positioning; a depth setting member positioned on the circular body, the depth setting member defining an axial range within which the circular body slides on the outer surface of the splined drive shaft during the positioning; and a position setting element axially extending from the circular body, the position setting element being configured to contact the circular lubricant dam insert and axially position it on the splined drive shaft; positioning the circular lubricant dam insert around the splined drive shaft such that an axial end of the circular lubricant dam insert abuts the position setting element on the positioning tool; permanently fastening the circular lubricant dam insert to the splined drive shaft; and removing the positioning tool.

[0005] Exemplary aspects of the present disclosure are designed to address the problems described herein and / or other problems not discussed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] These and other features of the present disclosure will be more readily understood from the following detailed description of various aspects of the present disclosure in conjunction with the accompanying drawings depicting embodiments of the present disclosure, wherein:

[0007] Figure 1 A side exploded view of a circular lubricant dam insert and a splined drive shaft according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0008] Figure 2 A bottom perspective view of a positioning tool for an insert according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0009] Figure 3 A side perspective view of a positioning tool for an insert according to other embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0010] Figure 4 A side view of a circular lubricant dam insert located on a splined drive shaft according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0011] Figure 5 A side view of an initial positioning of a positioning tool on a drive shaft according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0012] Figure 6 A side view of a positioning tool for positioning an insert on a drive shaft according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0013] Figure 7 An enlarged side view of a positioning tool for positioning an insert on a drive shaft according to an embodiment of the present disclosure and an arrow indicating removal of the positioning tool are shown.

[0014] Figure 8 A side view of an insert temporarily fastened to a drive shaft according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0015] Figure 9 A side view of an insert permanently fastened to a drive shaft according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0016] It should be noted that the drawings of the present disclosure are not drawn to scale. The drawings are intended to depict only typical aspects of the present disclosure and should not therefore be regarded as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. In the drawings, like numbers represent like elements between the drawings. Detailed Description

[0017] First, to clearly describe the present disclosure, it will be necessary to select certain terms when referring to and describing relevant machine components within an exemplary application of a gearbox. In doing so, where possible, common industry terms will be used and adopted in a manner consistent with their accepted meanings. Unless otherwise noted, such terms should be given a broad interpretation consistent with the context of this application and the scope of the appended claims. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that several different or overlapping terms may typically be used to refer to a particular component. An object that may be described herein as a single part may include multiple components and be referred to in another context as being composed of multiple components. Alternatively, an object that may be described herein as including multiple components may elsewhere be referred to as a single part.

[0018] In addition, several descriptive terms may be regularly used herein, and it should prove helpful to define these terms at the beginning of this section. Unless otherwise noted, these terms and their definitions are as follows. It is often necessary to describe parts that are at different radial positions relative to a central axis. The term "radial" refers to movement or position perpendicular to the axis of, for example, a drive shaft. In such cases, if a first component resides closer to the axis than a second component, this document will state that the first component is "radially inward" or "inner" of the second component. On the other hand, if a first component resides farther from the axis than a second component, this document may state that the first component is "radially outward" or "outer" of the second component. The term "axial" refers to movement or position parallel to the axis of, for example, along a drive shaft. Finally, the term "circumferential" refers to movement or position around the axis of, for example, around a drive shaft. It should be understood that such terms may be applied relative to the central axis of a turbine.

[0019] In addition, several descriptive terms may be regularly used herein, as described below. The terms "first", "second", and "third" may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to denote the position or importance of individual components.

[0020] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and are not intended to limit the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that when the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising" are used in the specification, they specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. "Optional" or "optionally" means that the subsequent described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and the description includes instances where the event occurs and instances where it does not occur.

[0021] In cases where an element or layer is referred to as "on", "engaged to", "connected to", or "coupled to" another element or layer, it can be directly on, engaged to, connected to, or coupled to the other element or layer, or there may be intervening elements or layers. In contrast, when an element is referred to as "directly on", "directly engaged to", "directly connected to", or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a similar manner (e.g., "between" versus "directly between", "adjacent" versus "directly adjacent", etc.). As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0022] As noted above, the present disclosure provides a positioning tool for axially positioning a circular lubricant dam insert on a splined drive shaft. The positioning tool ensures that the insert is properly axially positioned on the splined drive shaft while not disturbing the circumferential positioning of the insert due to circumferential positioning elements on the insert that interact with the splined drive shaft.

[0023] Figure 1 A side view exploded view of a splined drive shaft 110 and a circular lubricant dam insert 120 in an exemplary application within a gearbox 112 is shown. The gearbox 112 can include any presently known or later developed transmission system that includes a housing 122 and transmission gears (not shown) located within the housing 122. As understood, power can be provided to the splined drive shaft 110 to drive one or more other gears (not shown) to transfer rotational power in a direction different from the drive shaft 110 (e.g., perpendicular to the drive shaft). The housing 122 is sealed to enclose the splined drive shaft 110 and other gears and provides a lubricant reservoir around the drive shaft and gears. The splined drive shaft 110 can have a circular cross-section; however, this may not be necessary in all cases. The splined drive shaft 110 includes a plurality of splines 126 located on its outer surface 128. The splines 126 can interact with gears (not shown) in the gearbox 112 to transmit power. Although shown in an exemplary application of a gearbox, it should be recognized that the teachings of the present disclosure can be applied to any application in which a circular lubricant dam insert 120 is axially positioned on a splined drive shaft 110.

[0024] The circular lubricant retaining insert 120 (hereinafter referred to as "insert 120") can include any element known now or developed later that is configured to receive a lubricant (e.g., oil or other lubricating fluid or gas) and hold and / or distribute the lubricant to the desired locations around the splined drive shaft 110 (hereinafter referred to as "drive shaft 110"). The insert 120 can take the form of any circular lubricant retaining structure. In the illustrated example, the insert 120 includes a cylindrical circular member 130 and includes a plurality of radially extending openings 132 in the circular member 130. When positioned against the drive shaft 110, the radially extending openings 132 serve as lubricant reservoirs. As shown, the openings 132 can be circumferentially angled as needed to direct the lubricant and can include lubricant channels 134 therein to further direct the lubricant (e.g., to the splines 126) as needed. The insert 120 can be made of, for example, flexible metal or plastic. The insert 120 can include an axial slit 136 therein, which allows it to radially expand and position around the drive shaft 110, although this may not be necessary in all cases. The insert 120 can optionally include circumferential positioning elements 124 that axially extend from the axial ends 172 of the insert 120. One or more circumferential positioning elements 124 can be seated in the corresponding spaces between the splines 126 (i.e., the spaces between one or more of the splines 126 of the drive shaft 110) to circumferentially position the insert 120 relative to the drive shaft 110. Any number of circumferential positioning elements 124 can be employed around the drive shaft 110, or the circumferential positioning elements can be omitted (see, for example Figure 5 ). Although shown in pairs, they can also be groups of other numbers. As understood in the art, the insert 120 is axially positioned around the drive shaft 110 to provide lubricant as needed. For example, the insert 120 can be axially positioned directly below the splines 126 of the drive shaft 110 to ensure that the lubricant is delivered to the splines 126 and / or any gears that interact with the splines 126 in a consistent manner. Proper axial positioning of the insert 120 aids in lubrication and prevents damage to the insert and other structures.

[0025] Figure 1 and Figure 2 respectively show a bottom perspective view and a side perspective view of an embodiment of a positioning tool 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As will be described, the positioning tool 100 can axially position the insert 120 around the drive shaft 110. The positioning tool 100 can include a circular body 140 having an inner surface 142 that is configured to slide on the outer surface 128 ( Figure 1 ) of the drive shaft 110. The inner surface 142 has an inner diameter ID ( Figure 1 ) that is configured to slide on the outer diameter OD ( Figure 2 ) of the outer surface 128.

[0026] The positioning tool 100 may further include a plurality of key teeth 146 located on the inner surface 142 of the circular body 140. The key teeth 146 are configured to cooperate with the key teeth 126 on the outer surface 128 of the drive shaft 110. That is, during axial movement of the positioning tool 100 on the drive shaft 110, the key teeth 146 can axially slide within the space between the key teeth 126, and vice versa. Thus, when the key teeth 126, 146 are interlocked, the positioning tool 100 and the drive shaft 110 are circumferentially coupled. Figure 2 An embodiment is shown in which the positioning tool 100 includes key teeth 148 located on its outer surface 150, while Figure 3 a positioning tool 100 with a smooth outer surface is shown. The key teeth 148 are optional and are not used for any purpose other than possibly facilitating operation of the positioning tool 100.

[0027] The positioning tool 100 may further include a depth setting member 160 positioned on the circular body 140. The depth setting member 160 may define an axial range within which the circular body 140 slides on the outer surface 128 of the drive shaft 110. The depth setting member 160 may take the form of any structure that can set the axial range within which the circular body 140 slides on the outer surface 128. In Figure 2 and Figure 3 the depth setting member 160 includes a flange 162 that extends radially inward from the circular body 140 to abut the axial end 164 of the drive shaft 110 when the positioning tool 100 slides thereon. It should be appreciated that the depth setting member 160 may include any form of structure located on the positioning tool 100 that can contact the axial end 164 or other structures on the drive shaft 110 to define the axial positioning of the positioning tool 100 relative to the drive shaft 110.

[0028] The positioning tool 100 may further include a position setting element 170 that axially extends from the circular body 140. The position setting element 170 is configured to contact the axial end 172 of the insert 120 ( Figure 1 ) to axially position the insert 120 around the drive shaft 110. The position setting element 170 may include any element located on the circular body 140 that can contact the axial end 172 of the insert 120 or a portion of the circular body 140. Any number of position setting elements 170 may be used. As Figure 2 and Figure 3 shown, each position setting element 170 (i.e., its axial end) is at a predefined axial distance from the depth setting member 160, and this predefined axial distance defines the appropriate axial position of the axial end 172 of the insert, such that when the axial end 172 abuts one or more position setting elements 170, proper axial positioning of the insert 120 is achieved.

[0029] As will be described in more detail herein, the position setting element 170 may define an axial opening 174 therein to receive any one or more circumferential positioning elements 124 that axially extend from the axial end 172 of the insert 120. Each axial opening 174 may circumferentially extend around the circular body 140 to any extent required to allow space for the one or more circumferential positioning elements 124. Any number of position setting elements 170 and axial openings 174 may be employed. In this manner, the position setting element 170 may include a plurality of position setting elements 170 that are arranged around the circular body 140 in a circumferentially spaced manner to define a plurality of circumferentially spaced axial openings 174. One or more circumferential positioning elements 124 that axially extend from the axial end 172 of the insert 120 may be positioned in each respective axial opening 174 such that the one or more circumferential positioning elements 124 may circumferentially position each respective axial opening 174.

[0030] The positioning tool 100 may be made of metal (e.g., pure metal or metal alloy). The metal may include, for example, aluminum, nickel, or any other rigid metal. In Figure 2 , the circular body 140, any optional key teeth 148, and the depth setting member 160 are integral metal elements, which may be made as an integral element or made of a plurality of components welded together. In Figure 3 , the positioning tool 100 is shown as a single integral plastic piece. The positioning tool 100 may be made using any presently known methods (e.g., casting, machining, welding, additive manufacturing, etc.).

[0031] Turning to Figures 4 to 9 , a method of positioning the insert 120 on the drive shaft 110 will now be described. The method may include positioning the positioning tool 100 on the drive shaft 110 and positioning the insert 120 around the drive shaft 110. These two operations may occur in any order. The process may be carried out with the drive shaft 110 positioned in the gearbox 112 or separated therefrom. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 4 shows a side view of positioning the insert 120 around the drive shaft 110, and Figure 5 shows a side view of the initial positioning of the positioning tool 100 on the drive shaft 110. Here, the insert 120 may be forced to axially slide on the axial end 164 of the drive shaft 110, or in the case where a slit 136 is provided in the insert 120, the insert 120 may be temporarily expanded and placed around the circumference of the drive shaft 110. The insert 120 may be positioned in a position close to its desired final axial position. When needed, the insert 120 may optionally be temporarily fastened together and / or fastened in place, for example, with tape 180 ( Figure 4 ), plastic ties 188 ( Figure 8 ), or other temporary fastening mechanisms. In Figure 4In the example, the insert 120 does not include the circumferential positioning element 124. In Figure 5 In the example, the insert 120 includes a circumferential positioning element 124 that is positioned in the key teeth 126 (i.e., the space between the key teeth 126) to circumferentially position the insert 120. In this arrangement, the insert positioning may further include circumferentially positioning (i.e., by rotating the insert 120) one or more circumferential positioning elements 124 that axially extend from the axial end 172 of the insert 120 into the corresponding key teeth (i.e., the space between them) of the key teeth 126 on the drive shaft 110. As illustrated, the position setting element 170 includes an axial opening 174 therein that is configured to receive one or more circumferential positioning elements 124 on the insert 120.

[0032] As illustrated, Figure 5 shows the initial positioning of the positioning tool 100 on the drive shaft 110. The positioning tool 100 is aligned on the drive shaft 110 and an axial force (i.e., force F1) is applied thereto. Referring to Figure 2 , the key teeth 146 on the inner surface 142 are circumferentially positioned to mate with the key teeth 126 on the outer surface 128 of the drive shaft 110. By circumferentially positioning (i.e., rotating) the positioning tool 100 around the drive shaft 110 before the key teeth 126 and 146 engage, the axial opening 174 in the positioning tool 100 can be rotatably positioned to receive the circumferential positioning element 124 that axially extends from the insert 120 toward the positioning tool 100. Once in the desired rotational position, the positioning tool 100 can be further axially slid onto the drive shaft 110 such that the key teeth 126, 146 engage. At this time, although the insert 120 is circumferentially positioned, it may not be properly axially positioned. Any circumferential positioning element 124 provided can axially slide in the key teeth 126, thereby mispositioning the insert axially.

[0033] Figure 6 shows a side view of the positioning tool 100 positioning the insert 120 on the drive shaft 110, and Figure 7 shows an enlarged side view thereof. As Figure 6 shown, as the positioning tool 100 is further positioned, the positioning tool 100 continues to slide until the depth setting member 160 ( Figures 2 to 3 ) contacts the axial end 164 of the drive shaft 110 ( Figure 1) until. In this position, the position setting element 170 is axially located in the position where the axial end 172 of the insert 120 is to be positioned. The user ensures that the axial end 172 of the insert 120 abuts against the position setting element 170 on the positioning tool 100. When the positioning tool 100 is fully located on the drive shaft 110, this can be achieved by forcing the axial end 172 of the insert 120 against the positioning tool 100. Similarly, when the positioning tool 100 is not fully located on the drive shaft 110, the positioning tool 100 can be further axially slid until the depth setting member 160 ( Figures 2 to 3 ) contacts the axial end 164 ( Figure 1 ) and / or the axial end 172 of the insert 120 can be slid until it abuts against one or more position setting elements 170 and then the depth setting member 160 ( Figures 2 to 3 ) contacts the axial end 164 ( Figure 1 ) until. In any case, the positioning tool 100 is positioned such that the depth setting member 160 abuts against the axial end 164 ( Figure 1 ) of the drive shaft 110, and the axial end 172 of the insert 120 abuts against one or more position setting elements 170, thereby properly positioning the insert 120.

[0034] At this time, multiple different operations can occur, including: permanently fastening the insert 120 to the drive shaft 110, verifying the axial positioning of the insert 120, and / or removing the positioning tool 100. The order in which these steps occur can be user-defined.

[0035] Figure 7 An arrow indicating the removal of the positioning tool 100 from the drive shaft 110 is also shown. The positioning tool 100 can be removed by axially pulling (i.e., with force F2) the positioning tool 100 away from the drive shaft 110. At this time, the insert 120 can be temporarily or permanently fastened in place.

[0036] In one embodiment, as Figure 8As shown in the side view, the insert 120 is temporarily fastened to the drive shaft 110. Here, before permanently fastening the insert 120 to the drive shaft 110, the distance D2 between the axial end 172 of the insert 120 and the key tooth 126 (i.e., the axially proximal end of the key tooth 126 on the drive shaft 110) can be measured to verify the position of the insert 120. That is, to verify the required axial position of the insert 120 relative to the key tooth 126 before being fastened in this position. Here, the insert 120 can be temporarily fixed in place, for example, by tape, adhesive, and / or fasteners such as plastic ties 188 (as shown in the figure). In another embodiment, the distance D2 between the axial end 172 of the insert 120 and the key tooth 126 on the drive shaft 110 can be measured after permanently fastening the insert 120 to the drive shaft 110, that is, to verify that the insert 120 is in its permanent position at the required axial position relative to the key tooth 126. The measurement can be performed before or after removing the positioning tool 100. In any case, any currently known or later developed measuring tool with the required accuracy (e.g., a metric caliper, a measuring tape, an optical measuring system, etc.) can be used to perform the measurement. In a non-limiting example, the axial end 172 of the insert 120 is between 0.457 centimeters (cm) and 0.559 cm (0.180 inches - 0.220 inches) from the key tooth 126.

[0037] Figure 9 A side view showing the permanent fastening of the insert 120 to the drive shaft 110 is shown. The permanent fastening can occur in various ways. In one example, industrial adhesives for plastic inserts 120 or spot welding for metal inserts 120, both indicated by reference numeral 190, can be used to permanently fasten the insert 120 to the drive shaft 110. It should be noted that the adhesive can be on the insert 120 before the insert 120 is positioned on the drive shaft 110, and the positioning tool 100 is used to position the insert 120 in its required axial position when there is already adhesive on the insert 120. In another example, the insert 120 can be temporarily fastened in place with temporary fasteners (e.g., tape, adhesive, plastic ties 188 ( Figure 8 )) as Figure 8 shown. Then, the insert 120 can be permanently adhered to the drive shaft 110, for example, using industrial adhesives for plastic inserts 120 or spot welding for metal inserts 120. Once completed, any temporary fasteners can be removed.

[0038] The disclosed positioning tool 100 and related methods provide a mechanism that ensures the following: the circular lubricant dam insert 120 is properly axially positioned on the keyed drive shaft 110 without disturbing the circumferential positioning of the insert due to the circumferential positioning element 124 on the insert that interacts with the keyed drive shaft. The positioning tool 100 is easy to manufacture and inexpensive, and operates relatively quickly.

[0039] The foregoing figures illustrate some associated processes in accordance with several embodiments of the present disclosure. In this regard, each figure may represent a process associated with an embodiment of the described method. It should also be noted that in some alternative embodiments, the acts recited in the figures may not occur in the order shown, or, for example, may actually occur substantially simultaneously or in the reverse order, depending upon the acts involved.

[0040] As used throughout the specification and claims, approximating language may be used to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by one or more terms, such as "about," "approximately," and "substantially," is not limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of the instrument used to measure the value. Herein and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations may be combined and / or interchanged, such ranges are identified and include all the subranges contained therein unless the context or language indicates otherwise. "About" applied to a particular value of a range applies to both values unless otherwise dependent on the precision of the instrument measuring the value, and may indicate + / −10% of one or more of the stated values.

[0041] All structural, material, acts, and equivalents of the means or step plus function elements in the following claims are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the disclosure and its practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the disclosure with various modifications that are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Claims

1. A positioning tool (100) for axially positioning a circular lubricant dam insert (120) on a splined drive shaft (110), the positioning tool (100) comprises: a circular body (140) having a first axial end and an opposite second axial end and having an inner surface (142) configured to slide on an outer surface (128) of the splined drive shaft (110); a first plurality of key teeth (146) located on the inner surface (142) of the circular body (140), the first plurality of key teeth (146) being configured to mate with a second plurality of key teeth (126) located on the outer surface (128) of the splined drive shaft (110); a depth setting member (160) positioned on the circular body (140), the depth setting member (160) defining an axial range within which the circular body (140) slides on the outer surface (128) of the splined drive shaft (110), the depth setting member (160) including a flange (162) that extends radially inward from the circular body (140) at the first axial end of the circular body (140) so as to abut an axial end (164) of the splined drive shaft (110) or other structure when the positioning tool (100) slides on the splined drive shaft (110); and a position setting element (170) that extends axially from the circular body (140) at the second axial end of the circular body (140), the position setting element (170) being configured to contact an axial end (172) of the circular lubricant dam insert (120) to axially position the circular lubricant dam insert (120) on the splined drive shaft (110).

2. The positioning tool (100) according to claim 1, wherein the circular body (140), the first plurality of key teeth (146) and the depth setting member (160) are an integral metal element.

3. The positioning tool (100) according to claim 1, wherein the position setting element (170) defines an axial opening (174) therein to receive a circumferential positioning element (124) that extends axially from the axial end (172) of the circular lubricant dam insert (120), the circumferential positioning element (124) being configured to be seated in a corresponding one of the second plurality of key teeth (126) on the splined drive shaft (110) to circumferentially position the circular lubricant dam insert (120).

4. The positioning tool (100) according to claim 3, wherein the position setting element (170) includes a plurality of position setting elements (170) arranged circumferentially spaced around the circular body (140) to define a plurality of circumferentially spaced axial openings (174), and wherein the circular lubricant dam insert (120) includes circumferential positioning elements (124) axially extending therefrom at the axial ends (172) for positioning in each respective axial opening (174).

5. The positioning tool (100) according to claim 1, wherein the keyed drive shaft (110) is positioned in the gearbox (112).

6. A method of positioning a circular lubricant dam insert (120) on a keyed drive shaft (110), the method comprising: positioning a positioning tool (100) on the keyed drive shaft (110), the positioning tool (100) including: a circular body (140) having an inner surface (142) configured to slide on the outer surface (128) of the keyed drive shaft (110), a first plurality of key teeth (146) located on the inner surface (142) of the circular body (140), the first plurality of key teeth (146) being configured to axially cooperate with a second plurality of key teeth (126) located on the outer surface (128) of the keyed drive shaft (110) during the positioning, a depth setting member (160) positioned on the circular body (140), the depth setting member (160) defining an axial range within which the circular body (140) slides on the outer surface (128) of the keyed drive shaft (110) during the positioning, and a position setting element (170) axially extending from the circular body (140), the position setting element (170) being configured to contact the circular lubricant dam insert (120) and axially position it on the keyed drive shaft (110); positioning the circular lubricant dam insert (120) around the keyed drive shaft (110) such that the axial ends (172) of the circular lubricant dam insert (120) abut the position setting elements (170) on the positioning tool (100); permanently fastening the circular lubricant dam insert (120) to the keyed drive shaft (110); and removing the positioning tool (100).

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the positioning of the circular lubricant dam insert (120) further comprises: Circumferentially position a circumferential positioning element (124) axially extending from the axial end (172) of the circular lubricant dam insert (120) in a respective one of the second plurality of key teeth (126) on the keyed drive shaft (110), wherein the positioning element (170) includes an axial opening (174) therein configured to receive the circumferential positioning element (124).

8. The method according to claim 6, further comprising: Before permanently fastening the circular lubricant dam insert (120), measuring the distance between the axial end (172) of the circular lubricant dam insert (120) and the second plurality of key teeth (126) on the keyed drive shaft (110) to verify the position of the circular lubricant dam insert (120).

9. The method according to claim 6, further comprising: After permanently fastening the circular lubricant dam insert (120), measuring the distance between the axial end (172) of the circular lubricant dam insert (120) and the second plurality of key teeth (126) on the keyed drive shaft (110) to verify the position of the circular lubricant dam insert (120).

10. The method according to claim 6, wherein the permanently fastening comprises: Temporarily fastening the circular lubricant dam insert (120) in place with temporary fasteners; Permanently adhering the circular lubricant dam insert (120) to the keyed drive shaft (110); and Removing the temporary fasteners.

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