Reduction Gear Pivot Oil-Circuit Structure for Thermal Load Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In high-dilution ratio turbomachines, the temperature of pivots in mechanical reduction gears affects their bearing capacity, and existing solutions do not effectively manage temperature to optimize weight reduction and load capacity simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A pivot design featuring two distinct annular parts with a lubricating oil circuit that circulates oil through annular grooves, allowing for temperature regulation and weight reduction by cooling the pivot, thereby enhancing load capacity and reducing mass.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the pivot is cooled down using a lubricating oil circuit, then the temperature is reduced and bearing capacity is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the additional cooling circuit
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot is divided into two distinct annular parts (first annular part and second annular part) that are mounted around each other, creating internal spaces that form the lubricating oil circuit. This segmentation allows the cooling function to be integrated within the pivot structure itself without adding external cooling components.
Solution Approach 2:
The lubricating oil circuit is merged with the pivot structure by forming the circuit within the spaces between the two annular parts. The oil inlet and outlet are integrated into the pivot body, combining the bearing function and cooling function into a single integrated component rather than separate systems.
2Weight of moving object
If the pivot dimensions are reduced to save weight, then the mass is reduced, but the bearing capacity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the thermal parameter (temperature) of the pivot by implementing active cooling through the lubricating oil circuit. By lowering the operating temperature, the pivot can maintain its bearing capacity at smaller dimensions, as cooling prevents thermal degradation of the bearing surfaces and reduces thermal expansion.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the harmful effect of heat (which degrades bearing capacity) into a benefit by using the lubricating oil not only for lubrication but also as a cooling medium. The oil circuit transforms thermal energy that would otherwise be harmful into a controlled cooling process that enhances bearing performance.
3Force
If multiple pivots are used in the mechanical reduction gear, then the load distribution is improved, but the total weight reduction benefit is diminished
Solution Approach 1:
Each pivot is segmented into two annular parts, creating a modular design that can be replicated for multiple pivots. This segmentation allows each individual pivot to be optimized and cooled independently, maximizing the weight reduction benefit of each component while maintaining proper load distribution across multiple pivots.
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 pivot design effectively lowers the operating temperature of the mechanical reduction gear, enabling weight savings and improved load resistance while maintaining performance, which is advantageous in turbomachines.
Implementation Method 1
a lubricating oil circuit which circulates oil through annular grooves, allowing for temperature regulation and weight reduction by cooling the pivot
Implementation Method 2
the use of a pivot forming with a planet pinion a plain bearing allows reducing the bulk and the mass and offers an almost unlimited service life, provide that they are constantly supplied with lubricating and cooling oil
Data Source
AI summary
A pivot (14) with a longitudinal axis (Y) for a bearing of a mechanical reduction gear, comprising a first annular part (14a) including an axial passage (17) and a second annular part (14b) mounted around the first annular part (14a), the first annular part (14a) delimiting with the second annular part (14b) a lubrication circuit at least one oil inlet (20) of which opens out inwards of the first annular part (14a) into the axial passage (17) and at least one oil outlet (28) of which opens radially outwards of the second annular part (14b).