Epicyclic Gear Torque Reduction Using Restrained Ring Gear
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional single main rotor helicopters and other machines with epicyclic gearing systems face significant challenges in managing high torque forces, which can lead to mechanical failures and safety issues due to the need for strong, heavy components to withstand these forces.
Innovation Solution
A torque reduction system for epicyclic gearing systems, comprising a sun gear, planetary gears, a ring gear, and linkage arms connected to a housing, where the ring gear is restrained from motion, and bearings are used to redirect and reduce the torque forces, allowing vital components to operate with less strength requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If components are designed to withstand high torque forces, then reliability is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the torque counteracting function from the main engine components and transfers it to the epicyclic gearing system. The ring gear is specifically designed to bear and counteract the reaction torque, allowing the engine components to be lighter while maintaining overall system reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The epicyclic gearing system acts as an intermediary mechanism between the engine power source and the rotors. It serves as a torque management interface that protects vital engine components from excessive torque forces while still transmitting the necessary power
2Force
If elaborate systems are incorporated to reduce torque, then torque force is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the torque reduction function with the existing epicyclic gearing system used for speed reduction. By combining these two functions into a single integrated mechanism, the patent avoids adding separate complex torque reduction systems while achieving both speed reduction and torque management
Solution Approach 2:
The epicyclic gearing system is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: speed reduction, torque transformation, and torque counteracting. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated torque reduction mechanisms, thereby reducing overall system complexity
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 effectively reduces rotational forces by approximately 80%, enhancing safety by eliminating the need for excessive component strength, enabling safer operation and potential design simplifications such as reducing tail rotor size and improving control during autorotation.
Implementation Method 1
an epicyclic gearing is able to convert this power into rotation of the rotors
Implementation Method 2
a planetary gear set comprising; a sun gear, planetary gears, and a ring gear
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a torque reduction system comprising: a planetary gear set comprising; a sun gear, planetary gears, and a ring gear having at least one mount, a linkage arm having a first end and second end connected to the ring gear and a housing, wherein the linkage arm has one aperture at a first end and at least two apertures at the second end, and a slot positioned between the first and second end relative to the at least one mount of the ring gear; and at least one bearing positioned between the housing and the ring gear.