Gear Lubrication Ring Structure for Continuous Tooth Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gear lubrication systems for transmissions under heavy loads, such as planetary gearings, face challenges in providing continuous lubrication and cooling while being costly and complex to manufacture and assemble.
Innovation Solution
A lubrication arrangement featuring a shaft with a component having a central annular portion and axial discontinuities that guide and distribute lubricant to the gear teeth, reducing the need for complex machining and sealing, and enhancing lubricant flow rate and velocity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If spray nozzles are used to lubricate gear teeth intermittently, then the structure is simple, but the lubrication is not continuous and cooling is insufficient for heavy loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs hydraulic principles by using pressurized lubricant delivery systems with conduits that direct lubricant under pressure to the gear teeth. This ensures continuous lubrication and cooling for heavy load conditions while maintaining a relatively simple structural implementation through the use of fluid delivery mechanisms.
2Reliability
If complex components with internal splines and ducts are used to provide continuous lubrication, then lubrication effectiveness improves, but manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the lubrication system into separate functional elements: a shaft with external conduits, a component with a gap for lubricant distribution, and axial discontinuities for guiding lubricant to root sections. This segmentation allows each part to be manufactured independently using simpler processes and assembled together, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining continuous lubrication effectiveness.
3Reliability
If complex components with internal splines are used, then continuous lubrication is achieved, but assembly and sealing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lubrication system is segmented into modular components that can be assembled separately. The shaft with conduits, the component with the gap, and the axial discontinuities are designed as distinct elements that fit together, simplifying assembly procedures and reducing sealing requirements compared to integrated internal spline designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary gap between the shaft and component that serves as a lubricant distribution channel. This gap acts as a mediator that directs lubricant from the conduits to the gear teeth and root sections, eliminating the need for complex internal ducts and simplifying both assembly and sealing.
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
This arrangement simplifies manufacturing, reduces assembly complexity, and effectively provides continuous lubrication and cooling to gear teeth under heavy loads, improving the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of gear lubrication systems.
Implementation Method 1
at least one first duct for supplying lubricant under pressure, whereby said duct has at least one opening into the gap adjacent said gear to be lubricated
Data Source
AI summary
An arrangement for lubricating a gear in a toothed gearing comprising a shaft on which the gear is arranged is provided. An engaging ring with a central portion is arranged around said shaft and comprises a surface facing and spaced from an end surface of the gear creating a gap for guiding lubricant to the gear, and at least one first duct for lubricant, whereby said duct has at least one opening into the gap. The component comprises an annular portion with an inner peripheral surface mounted onto an outer peripheral surface of a shoulder on the gear; where axial discontinuities are provided between the shoulder and the annular portion of the component for guiding and distributing lubricant to the roots of the gear.