Integrated Gearbox Lockout With Sealed Shaft and Collar Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gearbox lockout solutions for aircraft drivetrains require expensive and heavy tools that expose the gearbox to the environment, increasing corrosion risk and requiring direct lubrication, while also being cumbersome and prone to foreign object damage.
Innovation Solution
An integrated gearbox lockout device with a keyless design that uses a sliding shaft and collars to prevent rotation, maintaining a sealed environment and allowing external access without direct lubrication, featuring a compact, self-contained design that can be retrofitted and includes a fail-safe mechanism to prevent engagement during operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a sealed cover is removed to access the drive train for locking, then the drive train becomes accessible for locking operations, but the gearbox is exposed to the environment increasing corrosion risk and water intrusion
Solution Approach 1:
The lockout device is segmented into multiple components: a drive shaft, an inner collar with threadless holes, an outer collar with threaded holes, and a sealed cover. This segmentation allows the locking mechanism to be accessed and operated through the sealed cover without removing it, thus protecting the gearbox from environmental exposure while enabling lockout operations
Solution Approach 2:
The threaded coupling members act as intermediaries that transmit rotational force from the outer collar through the inner collar to the drive shaft. This intermediary mechanism allows the operator to engage and disengage the locking mechanism without exposing the gearbox interior to the environment
2Reliability
If a traditional screw drive tool is used to lock the drive train, then the drive train can be locked, but the tool is expensive to procure and large/heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is merged with the gearbox structure itself. The drive shaft, collars, and threaded coupling members are integrated components that form a permanent part of the gearbox assembly, eliminating the need for separate external locking tools
Solution Approach 2:
The gearbox is designed with self-contained locking capabilities through the integrated drive shaft and collar mechanism. The system serves its own locking needs without requiring external equipment, reducing both weight and procurement costs
3Reliability
If the drive train is locked using external support equipment bolted to the gearbox case, then the drive train can be locked, but the equipment is large and requires significant space
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is nested within the existing gearbox structure. The drive shaft passes through the gearbox, and the inner and outer collars are positioned concentrically around the drive shaft, with the threaded coupling members nesting within the collars. This nested arrangement minimizes the space required for the locking mechanism
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 solution provides a sealed environment, prevents foreign object damage, reduces wear, and allows for easy disengagement without direct lubrication, ensuring the gearbox remains operational and secure during maintenance and transportation.
Implementation Method 1
as the inner collar and the outer collar are pulled closer together the inner collar is pushed against the shaft and restricts a displacement of the shaft within the hole
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are described for a gearbox lockout device. It may be desirable in certain vehicles to lock a drive shaft within a gearbox for a period of time. Lockout embodiments under the present disclosure include a shaft configured to selectively engage the drive shaft via teeth. An inner and outer collar surrounding the shaft can be manipulated to restrict the movement of the shaft once the shaft's teeth are engaged with the teeth of the drive shaft. The system can be torqued up and locked in place. This can allow for more safe transporting of the vehicle, easier maintenance, or other advantages.