Drive Mechanism Backlash Alignment for Uniform Gear Load Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drive mechanisms in wind power generation systems face issues with load variation among drive devices, leading to reduced lifespan due to uneven load distribution, which can be exacerbated by manufacturing tolerances and distortions in the ring gear.
Innovation Solution
A method for adjusting the positions of drive devices by measuring backlashes and adjusting the pinion positions relative to a ring gear, ensuring uniform backlash distribution and minimizing load variation through alignment and adjustment steps based on measured data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the drive mechanism is assembled using conventional methods without adjustment, then the assembly process is simple and quick, but the load distribution among drive devices becomes uneven, leading to reduced lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by measuring backlashes and determining optimal positions of drive devices before final assembly and operation. The adjustment process pre-establishes uniform load distribution by positioning each drive device based on measured backlash values, preventing uneven load distribution that would otherwise occur during operation and extend the lifespan of the drive mechanism.
2Reliability
If the positions of drive devices are adjusted to achieve uniform load distribution, then the lifespan of the drive mechanism is extended, but the adjustment process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical trial-and-error adjustment methods with a measurement-based determination system. By measuring backlashes and calculating optimal positions mathematically, the system substitutes iterative mechanical adjustments with a direct measurement and calculation approach, reducing adjustment time while achieving reliable uniform load distribution among drive devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by measuring the actual backlash values of each drive device and using these measurements to determine the optimal positions. The measured backlash data feeds into the position determination process, creating a closed-loop system that adjusts drive device positions based on actual measured conditions rather than theoretical assumptions, thereby improving reliability while streamlining the adjustment process.
3Ease of manufacture
If manufacturing tolerances and ring gear distortions are present, then the production cost is reduced and manufacturing is easier, but the load distribution among drive devices becomes uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by individually measuring and adjusting each drive device's position based on its specific backlash characteristics. Rather than requiring uniform manufacturing tolerances across all components, the system accommodates local variations in ring gear geometry and drive device positioning by tailoring the position of each drive device to its measured conditions, thereby achieving uniform load distribution despite manufacturing tolerances and distortions.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of adjusting a drive mechanism includes measuring backlashes between the ring gear and the plurality of drive devices, and determining about positions of the plurality of drive devices with reference to the ring gear based on the backlashes measured in the measurement step. The measurement step includes: aligning the pinion of one of the plurality of drive devices to face a reference position in a circumferential direction of the ring gear and measuring a backlash between the ring gear and the said one drive device; and aligning the pinion of another one of the plurality of drive devices to face the reference position of the ring gear by revolving the plurality of the drive devices relative to the ring gear, and measuring a backlash between the ring gear and the said another drive device different from the said one drive device whose backlash has been measured.