Actuated Ring Gear Positioning for Reduction Gearbox Misalignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft engine reduction gearboxes face challenges due to the high rotational speed mismatch between turboprop turbines and propellers, leading to increased weight and complexity, and misalignment issues that affect efficiency and specific fuel consumption.
Innovation Solution
A reduction gearbox with a sun gear, planet gear assemblies, and ring gears, featuring a ring gear positional alignment system that includes a system controller, ring gear actuator, and sensor to mitigate misalignment by adjusting the position of the ring gears relative to each other, ensuring optimal alignment and operation under load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a reduction gearbox is used to reduce rotational speed mismatch between turbine and propeller, then the propeller can be driven at appropriate speed, but the gearbox adds weight and complexity to the engine
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the ring gear position adjustable rather than fixed. The ring gear can dynamically change its position along the planetary gear carrier to adapt to different operating conditions, allowing the gearbox to maintain optimal performance across varying speeds and loads without requiring a more complex multi-stage design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of ring gear position to optimize gear meshing. By adjusting the ring gear's axial position, the system can compensate for manufacturing tolerances and thermal expansion, maintaining proper meshing conditions without adding complex control systems or multiple gear stages
2Reliability
If traditional fixed ring gear positioning is used, then the structure is simpler, but misalignment occurs affecting efficiency and fuel consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback through sensors that detect the actual position of the ring gear and planetary gears. This position information is fed back to the control system, which then adjusts the ring gear position via the actuator to maintain optimal alignment, creating a closed-loop control system that ensures precise gear meshing
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-alignment by automatically detecting misalignment conditions and adjusting its own configuration. The control system monitors gear positions and autonomously actuates the ring gear to correct alignment issues without requiring external intervention or complex manual adjustment mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
A reduction gearbox is provided that includes a sun gear, planet gear assemblies, first and second ring gears, and a ring gear positional alignment system. Each planet gear assembly includes a main gear and first and second lateral gears coupled to one another. The ring gear positional alignment system includes a system controller, a ring gear actuator, and a sensor. The ring gear actuator is engaged with the first ring gear and is configured to rotate the first ring gear relative to the second ring gear. The system controller is in communication with the sensor, the ring gear actuator, and a non-transitory memory storing instructions. The instructions when executed cause the system controller to receive and process signals from the sensor relating to the position of the first ring gear, and control the ring gear actuator to selectively position the first ring gear using the signals from the sensor.