Epicyclic Reduction Unit Upward Output Load Path

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing epicyclic reduction units with upward output shafts face reliability and durability issues due to intense stress on elastic rings, which can break under high torque and axial loads, causing malfunction and costly maintenance when the weight of epicyclic stages is discharged onto input actuation elements.

Innovation Solution

The epicyclic reduction unit design eliminates the need for elastic rings by connecting the sun gear directly to the input actuation unit using a sleeve-like connecting joint and suspending the planet carrier to the output shaft, absorbing misalignments and axial loads, thus preventing overload on input actuation elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the weight of epicyclic stages is discharged onto input actuation elements, then the structure is simplified, but the reliability deteriorates due to intense stress on elastic rings causing breakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidreliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional load path by suspending the planet carrier from the output shaft instead of resting the sun gear on the input actuation unit. This reverses which component bears the weight, transferring it from the input actuation elements to the output shaft, thereby eliminating stress on elastic rings while maintaining structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a connecting joint as an intermediary element between the sun gear and the input actuation unit. This connecting joint absorbs misalignments and axial loads, preventing direct transmission of stress to the elastic rings and input actuation elements, thus improving reliability without complicating the overall structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Volume of moving object

If elastic rings are used to support the weight of reduction stages, then the structure is compact, but the durability deteriorates due to flexing and breakage under high torque

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecompactnessVSAvoiddurability

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the elastic ring from the load-bearing function by eliminating its use entirely. Instead, the planet carrier is suspended from the output shaft through a rigid connecting structure, removing the source of flexing and breakage while preserving the compact arrangement of the reduction unit

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent inverts the support mechanism by having the output shaft support the planet carrier rather than the input actuation elements supporting the sun gear through elastic rings. This inversion eliminates the durability issue of elastic ring breakage while maintaining compact dimensions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Device complexity

If axial thrusts are discharged onto the input actuation unit, then the structure remains simple, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to malfunction and deterioration of actuation elements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the axial load path by suspending the planet carrier from the output shaft, which is better positioned to handle axial thrusts. This prevents axial loads from being transmitted to the input actuation unit, eliminating malfunction issues while keeping the structure simple

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting joint acts as an intermediary that absorbs axial thrusts generated during operation due to imprecisions or deformations. By intercepting these axial loads before they reach the input actuation unit, the connecting joint prevents deterioration of actuation elements while maintaining structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10393228B2Epicyclic reduction unit for applications with an upward output

Publication Date: 2019.08.27 COMER IND

AI summary

An epicyclic reduction unit for applications with an upward output, which comprises a casing for containing at least one first epicyclic reduction stage that is interposed between an input actuation unit and an output shaft that is arranged in an upper region, the first stage being composed of a driving sun gear that rotates about a main rotation axis that is vertical and a ring gear that is integral with the casing, between which a plurality of planet gears is engaged which are supported in rotation about their own longitudinal axis and about the rotation axis by a driven planet carrier, which in turn rotates about the rotation axis, means being provided for connecting by suspension at least the planet carrier of the first stage to the output shaft, the sun gear of the first stage resting on the input actuation unit, which actuates it in rotation about the rotation axis.