Double Gear Assembly With Helical Splines for Precise Timing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The assembly of multiple cluster or planetary gears requires precise timing, which is costly and time-consuming, and typically involves welding and post-grind operations, necessitating a need for improved adaptability and economic viability in gear arrangements.

Innovation Solution

A gear set with a first gear wheel having parallel teeth and a second gear wheel with non-parallel teeth, utilizing shims and a retention member like a retaining ring or locknut to secure the second gear wheel, allowing for adjustable alignment and assembly without welding or grinding, featuring helical splines for axial thrust load management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If traditional welding and post-grind operations are used to align gear teeth, then manufacturing precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegear teeth alignment precisionVSAvoidassembly process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces timing marks and alignment fixtures as intermediary tools that facilitate precise gear teeth alignment without requiring welding or post-grind operations. These intermediaries provide visual and mechanical guidance during assembly, achieving high precision through simplified processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-marking timing indicators on gear components before assembly. These pre-applied markings enable workers to quickly align gears correctly during assembly, eliminating the need for complex post-assembly grinding and welding operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If traditional welding and post-grind operations are used to align gear teeth, then manufacturing precision is improved, but assembly time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegear teeth alignment precisionVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-marking timing indicators on gear components before assembly. These pre-applied markings enable workers to quickly align gears correctly during assembly, eliminating the need for complex post-assembly grinding and welding operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the complex mechanical processes of welding and grinding with a simpler visual alignment system using timing marks. This substitution allows workers to achieve precise alignment through visual inspection and basic positioning, dramatically reducing assembly time while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Strength

If welding is used to secure gears, then strength is improved, but adaptability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegear assembly strengthVSAvoidgear configuration adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the gear assembly into separable components that can be independently positioned and adjusted. This segmentation allows different gear configurations to be assembled without permanent welding, enabling adaptability while maintaining sufficient connection strength through mechanical fastening methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamic, adjustable fastening methods instead of permanent welding. This allows the gear assembly to be reconfigured for different applications by adjusting or repositioning components, maintaining both strength and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If precise timing and alignment are achieved through traditional methods, then reliability is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegear assembly reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces timing marks and alignment fixtures as intermediary tools that facilitate precise gear teeth alignment without requiring welding or post-grind operations. These intermediaries provide visual and mechanical guidance during assembly, achieving high precision through simplified processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the complex mechanical processes of welding and grinding with a simpler visual alignment system using timing marks. This substitution allows workers to achieve precise alignment through visual inspection and basic positioning, dramatically reducing assembly time while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3875804B1Double gear construction with helical splines and shims
Publication Date: 2025.01.01 HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORP
  • EP3875804B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3875804B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A gear assembly (100) includes a first gear wheel (102) including a first gear (108) wherein a plurality of teeth (110) of the first gear (108) are oriented in a first direction and a second gear (112) wherein a plurality of teeth (114) of the second gear (112) are oriented not-parallel to the primary axis. A second gear wheel (116) is configured to match the second gear (112) of the first gear wheel (102) including an outer gear (118) and an inner gear (122) wherein a plurality of teeth (124) of the inner gear (122) are oriented parallel to the plurality of teeth (120) of second gear (112). A retention member (128) can be used to secure the second gear wheel (116) on the first gear wheel (102).