Epicyclic Reduction Gear Fluid Transfer Pipe Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of epicyclic reduction gears in turboshaft engines with contra-rotating propellers is hindered by the large size of lubrication sleeves needed to accommodate fluid and electrical lines, which occupies valuable space and complicates the integration of the reduction gear.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a fluid-transfer pipe that passes through the planet carrier of the epicyclic reduction gear, allowing lubricant to be transferred from a supply source on one transverse side to the other, external to the sleeve, thereby reducing the overall size of the sleeve and improving integration by eliminating the need for internal lubrication lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large lubrication sleeve is used to accommodate fluid and electrical lines, then lubrication function is ensured, but the sleeve occupies valuable space and complicates integration of the reduction gear
Solution Approach 1:
The lubrication system is segmented into multiple independent fluid-transfer pipes instead of a single large sleeve. Each pipe carries lubricant to specific bearings, dividing the monolithic lubrication function into distributed channels. This segmentation reduces the overall volume required while maintaining comprehensive lubrication coverage for all critical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid-transfer pipes are routed through the planet carrier structure in three-dimensional space, utilizing axial and radial pathways. By transitioning from a two-dimensional sleeve cross-section to three-dimensional piping through the planet carrier, the system achieves efficient lubricant delivery with minimal space occupation, resolving the contradiction between lubrication coverage and volume.
2Ease of operation
If fluid lines are routed through the sleeve, then lubrication is provided, but the sleeve size increases and integration is complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid-transfer pipes are integrated with the planet carrier structure, merging the lubrication delivery function with the existing structural component. The pipes pass through the planet carrier's hollow shafts and utilize its structural framework, combining two functions (structural support and fluid transport) into a unified design that reduces overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The planet carrier's hollow shafts and internal structure serve dual purposes: providing structural support for the planetary gears and simultaneously acting as conduits for lubricant delivery. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate external lubrication infrastructure, simplifying integration while ensuring reliable lubrication.
3Volume of moving object
If the sleeve is reduced in size, then space is saved, but accommodating all fluid lines becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the planet carrier are assigned specific lubrication functions, with fluid-transfer pipes routed through localized hollow shafts and passages. Each planet and bearing receives targeted lubricant delivery through dedicated pipe segments, allowing the system to maintain comprehensive lubrication capability while using minimal space. The local quality of each pipe segment is optimized for its specific function rather than providing universal accommodation.
Data Source
AI summary
The epicyclic reduction gear comprises a planetary input shaft, planet gears meshing around said shaft and supported by a planet carrier, and two transverse sides. According to the invention, the reduction gear comprises at least one fluid transfer pipe suitable for being connected to a fluid supply source and passing through the planet carrier, being linked in rotation to same, from a first of said transverse sides of the reduction gear to a second of said transverse sides of the latter in order to open on the outside of the reduction gear and dispense the fluid.