Interlaced Gearbox Support Structure for Compact High-Load Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing support devices for multiple gearboxes in high-performance industrial applications face challenges in achieving compactness, reliability, long service life, and simple production while efficiently handling increased mechanical performance and assembly complexity.

Innovation Solution

A support device comprising two adjacent gear supports with radially and tangentially oriented supporting forces, featuring a single-strap first support and a double-strap second support, allowing for close spatial arrangement and cost-effective manufacturing, with optional strut anchoring and radially shortened flanges for enhanced mechanical stress capacity and reduced bending loads.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional support devices are used for multiple gearboxes, then assembly and manufacturing are relatively simple, but mechanical performance is limited and service life is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice lifeVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple support functions into a single integrated support device that can simultaneously support multiple gearboxes. The support device includes a central support body with multiple support arms that can accommodate different gearbox configurations, merging what would traditionally require separate support structures into one unified component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The support device is designed with universal applicability through adjustable support arms and configurable mounting options that can accommodate various gearbox sizes, weights, and arrangements. This multi-functional design allows a single support device to serve multiple purposes across different application scenarios, reducing the need for specialized support structures for each gearbox configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Strength

If support arms are designed with higher mass to increase supporting forces, then mechanical stress capacity improves, but device weight and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical stress capacityVSAvoidsupport device mass
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The support arms are constructed using composite materials that combine high-strength alloys with lighter-weight materials. This allows the support structure to achieve the necessary mechanical stress capacity and load-bearing strength while maintaining reduced mass compared to traditional solid metal construction, directly resolving the contradiction between strength and weight.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The support device employs local quality enhancement by concentrating material density and structural reinforcement only in critical stress zones such as mounting points and load-bearing joints, while using lighter materials in non-critical areas. This optimized material distribution achieves high mechanical stress capacity without proportionally increasing overall device mass.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Area of stationary object

If gearboxes are arranged in compact configurations to save space, then application density increases, but assembly difficulty and deformation risk increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation footprintVSAvoidassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The support device utilizes a nested configuration where smaller support arms and mounting structures are integrated within or around larger support elements. This nesting approach enables compact gearbox arrangements to be accommodated in a reduced installation footprint while maintaining accessible assembly paths and clear structural hierarchy that simplifies manufacturing and assembly processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP3536404B2Support device for gear pair and industry application
Publication Date: 2024.08.14 FLENDER GMBH
  • EP3536404B2 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3536404B2 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3536404B2 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a support device (10) for a first and a second gearbox (40) or drive means (66). The support device (10) comprises a first and a second support flange (16, 18), wherein a first support (22) is attached to the first support flange (16) for introducing a first support force into the second support flange (18). Furthermore, a second support (24) is attached to the second support flange (18) for introducing a second support force into the first support flange (16). According to the invention, the first support (22) extends through the second support (24). The invention also relates to an industrial application (60) comprising a first gearbox (40), to which drive power (65) can be supplied via a first drive shaft (68), and a second gearbox (40), to which drive power (65) can be supplied via a second drive shaft (68). Furthermore, the first and second drive shafts (68) have opposite directions of rotation (27).The first and second gearboxes (40) are attached to a support device (10) which is designed according to an embodiment of the invention.