Drive Shaft Spline Lubrication Insert With Centrifugal Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lubrication systems, particularly one-shot systems, are inadequate in supplying sufficient lubrication to the centerline of an accessory drive shaft and other splines within a gearbox, leading to suboptimal functionality and lifespan.
Innovation Solution
An insert with an elastically deformable portion that expands radially during rotation due to centrifugal force, storing and distributing lubricant effectively to splines, and contracts when rotation ceases, ensuring consistent lubrication delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a one-shot lubrication system is used, then the system structure is simple, but the lubricant supply amount is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The insert includes an elastically deformable portion that dynamically changes its radial dimension based on rotational speed. During rotation, centrifugal force causes the insert to expand radially, increasing the reservoir volume and lubricant supply capacity. When rotation stops, the insert returns to its original smaller dimension. This dynamic adaptation allows the simple one-shot system to deliver increased lubricant quantities without adding complex active components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state and dimensions of the insert based on operational conditions. The elastically deformable portion transitions between expanded and contracted states, altering the reservoir volume parameter. This parameter change enables the same structural component to provide different lubricant supply capacities depending on whether the system is rotating or stationary, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and supply adequacy.
2Reliability
If the insert expands radially during rotation, then lubricant supply to centerline and distant splines is improved, but the insert requires elastic deformability which complicates manufacturing
Solution Approach 1:
The insert incorporates an elastically deformable portion made from flexible materials that can safely and reliably expand and contract radially. This flexible component forms part of the reservoir structure, allowing the insert to adapt its volume during rotation. The use of elastomeric materials with controlled hardness provides the necessary deformability while maintaining structural integrity, making the manufacturing process achievable through conventional elastomer fabrication techniques.
3Quantity of substance
If centrifugal force is used to expand the insert, then lubricant distribution to moving parts is enhanced, but the system requires sufficient rotational speed to activate
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes the existing rotational motion of the drive shaft itself to activate the lubrication mechanism. The centrifugal force generated by normal operational rotation automatically causes the elastically deformable insert to expand and increase lubricant supply. No additional actuators, sensors, or control systems are required - the system self-activates through the mechanical energy already present in the rotating assembly, converting operational speed into enhanced lubrication delivery.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system significantly increases lubricant supply to moving parts within the gearbox, effectively reaching splines along the drive shaft, accessory drive shaft, and mating drive shaft, enhancing operational efficiency and longevity.
Implementation Method 1
the elastically deformable portion is configured to expand due to a centrifugal force exerted by a spinning volume of the fluid during rotation
Implementation Method 2
the elastically deformable portion capable of transitioning between an expanded state and an unexpanded state
Data Source
AI summary
An insert for supplying a fluid to splines of a drive shaft, the insert extending along an axis of rotation, and the insert comprising an insert wall extending along the axis of rotation, a reservoir defined by the insert wall for storing a fluid, an elastically deformable portion, the elastically deformable portion capable of transitioning between an expanded state and an unexpanded state, and wherein the elastically deformable portion is configured to expand to the expanded state in a radial direction with respect to the axis of rotation when the fluid is supplied to the reservoir during rotation of the insert and to contract to the unexpanded state when rotation of the insert and supply of the fluid to the reservoir are ceased.