Gear Lubrication Ring With Axial Ducts for Tooth Root Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gear lubrication systems for transmissions under heavy loads face challenges in providing continuous lubrication and cooling effectively, while also being costly and complex to manufacture and assemble.
Innovation Solution
The proposed arrangement involves a conduit system with axial discontinuities on the sun gear and the engaging ring, which guides and distributes lubricant under pressure to the roots of the gear teeth, enhancing lubrication and cooling efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If lubrication is effected intermittently by means of nozzles, then the structure is simple, but the lubrication effectiveness is insufficient for heavy load transmissions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous lubrication by providing a constant supply of lubricant under pressure through conduits directly to the gear tooth roots, eliminating the intermittent spray approach. The lubricant is continuously delivered along the entire length of the gear teeth via axial discontinuities, ensuring uninterrupted lubrication for heavy load conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs hydraulic principles by using lubricant under pressure delivered through conduits and ducts. The pressurized lubricant flows through axial discontinuities and recesses to reach the gear tooth roots, utilizing fluid pressure to ensure effective lubrication delivery to critical areas.
2Temperature
If nozzle spray lubrication is used, then the device is simple to manufacture, but cooling effectiveness is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous flow of lubricant under pressure provides sustained cooling action. The lubricant is continuously supplied through conduits and distributed via axial discontinuities along the gear tooth roots, maintaining constant thermal management rather than intermittent cooling from spray nozzles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the cooling function from the lubrication system by directing lubricant flow specifically to the tooth roots where heat generation occurs. The axial discontinuities and recesses are designed to channel lubricant precisely to the root sections, separating the cooling function from general surface lubrication.
3Reliability
If ring gear with internal splines is used, then lubrication to meshing teeth is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the lubrication delivery system into separate conduits and axial discontinuities that independently supply lubricant to each gear tooth root. This segmentation allows standard manufacturing processes for each component while achieving comprehensive lubrication coverage, avoiding the need for complex integrated spline structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces axial discontinuities and recesses as intermediary structures between the lubricant supply conduits and the gear tooth roots. These intermediaries distribute the lubricant flow to the critical root areas without requiring direct modification of the gear tooth geometry or creation of complex internal splines.
4Reliability
If ring gear with internal splines is used, then lubrication coverage is improved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lubrication system is segmented into separate, modular components including conduits, axial discontinuities, and recesses that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This modularity simplifies assembly compared to integrated spline structures, allowing each component to be fitted separately while achieving complete lubrication coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The axial discontinuities serve multiple functions: they guide lubricant flow, create recesses for lubricant distribution, and provide structural integration with the gear body. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying assembly while maintaining comprehensive lubrication coverage.
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 solution reduces manufacturing complexity and cost by minimizing machining requirements, while ensuring effective lubrication and cooling of gear teeth under heavy loads, thus improving the overall performance and reliability of the transmission.
Implementation Method 1
at least one conduit (532) arranged to guide lubricant under pressure from the central duct (531) radially outwards to the peripheral surface (535)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The invention relates to an arrangement for lubricating a gear (503; 603; 703; 803) in a toothed gearing comprising a shaft (501; 601; 701; 801) on which the gear (503; 603; 703; 803) is arranged. An engaging ring (502; 602; 702; 802) with a central portion (512; 612; 712; 812) is arranged around said shaft (501; 601; 701; 801) and comprises a surface (526; 626; 726; 826) facing and spaced from an end surface (527; 627; 727; 827) of the gear (503; 603; 703; 803) creating a gap (533; 633; 733; 833) for guiding lubricant to the gear, and at least one first duct (531, 532; 525; 631, 632; 625; 731, 732; 725; 831, 832; 825) for lubricant, whereby said duct has at least one opening into the gap (533; 633; 733; 833). The component comprises an annular portion (528; 628; 728; 828) with an inner peripheral surface mounted onto an outer peripheral surface of a shoulder (530; 630; 730; 830) on the gear; where axial discontinuities (534; 634; 734; 834) are provided between the shoulder (530; 630; 730; 830) and the annular portion of the component for guiding and distributing lubricant to the roots of the gear (503; 603; 703; 803).