Aircraft Gear Web Structure for Low-Weight High Rigidity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft gear systems are complex, costly to manufacture, and heavy due to their multi-part configurations, with challenges in reducing weight and manufacturing costs while maintaining rigidity.
Innovation Solution
A gear design featuring a hub and rim connected by obliquely extending first and second web pieces, alternately arranged in the circumferential direction with different axial positions, reducing the number of parts and weight, and incorporating a flange for enhanced rigidity and reduced manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the gear web is constituted of two divided bodies coupled by a fastening member, then the coupling forms the gear web extending obliquely toward both sides in the axial direction achieving high rigidity, but the number of parts increases making assembly complicated and manufacturing cost high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the first web and second web into a single integrated gear web structure. The gear web includes a first web extending obliquely from the rim to the hub toward one side in the axial direction and a second web extending obliquely from the rim to the hub toward the other side in the axial direction, eliminating the need for separate divided bodies and fastening members while maintaining the rigid oblique extension structure
2Strength
If the two divided bodies are coupled to form the gear web extending obliquely toward both sides in the axial direction, then high rigidity is achieved, but it is necessary to secure a part where the two members are overlapped making it difficult to reduce weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the first web and second web into a single integrated structure where the webs are formed as part of the same gear body. This eliminates the need for overlapping members and fastening components, reducing the overall weight while preserving the rigid oblique extension geometry that provides structural strength
3Device complexity
If electron beam welding is used to couple the upper and lower divided bodies, then fastening members are omitted simplifying the structure and reducing weight, but the structure still includes many parts and requires post-welding processes increasing manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for welding or other joining processes by forming the first web and second web as an integrated structure. The gear web is manufactured as a single piece or monolithic structure, removing all post-welding processes and associated costs while maintaining structural integrity and simplicity
Data Source
AI summary
A gear including: a hub provided on an inner peripheral side and configured to be connected to a main shaft; a rim provided on an outer peripheral side and formed with external teeth; and a gear web connecting the hub and the rim. The gear web includes a first web extending obliquely upward from the rim to the hub; and a second web extending obliquely downward from the rim to the hub. The first web includes a plurality of first web pieces formed so as to be spaced apart in a circumferential direction, and the second web includes a plurality of second web pieces formed so as to be spaced apart in the circumferential direction. The first web pieces and the second web pieces are alternately arranged in the circumferential direction and are located at mutually different circumferential positions.