Epicyclic Gearset Lubrication Flow Separation to Prevent Contamination
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lubrication systems for epicyclic gear trains in rotating-wing aircraft face challenges in efficiently separating and collecting lubrication liquid flows, leading to potential contamination and increased lubricant usage, which can result in reduced system efficiency and premature wear.
Innovation Solution
An annular-shaped separation and collection device that routes a first stream of lubrication liquid to guide devices under the device and directs a second stream outside, using deflector channels and holes to separate and independently direct the flows, minimizing contamination and optimizing lubricant distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single lubrication circuit is used to lubricate both the satellite holder guide device and the satellite wheels guide devices, then the system structure is simple, but the lubrication liquid becomes contaminated and lubrication efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The lubrication circuit is segmented into two separate circuits: a first lubrication circuit dedicated to the satellite holder guide device and a second lubrication circuit dedicated to the satellite wheels guide devices. This segmentation prevents cross-contamination of lubrication liquid between the two lubrication zones, maintaining lubrication quality while managing system complexity through functional separation.
2Device complexity
If lubrication liquid flows through the satellite holder guide device first and then to the satellite wheels guide devices, then the lubrication path is simple, but metal particles contaminate the lubrication liquid
Solution Approach 1:
The lubrication flow path is segmented into two independent paths. The first lubrication circuit supplies lubrication liquid directly to the satellite holder guide device, while the second lubrication circuit supplies lubrication liquid directly to the satellite wheels guide devices. This eliminates the sequential flow path that would allow metal particles from the satellite holder guide device to contaminate the lubrication liquid before reaching the satellite wheels guide devices.
Solution Approach 2:
Separate lubrication circuits act as intermediaries between the lubrication liquid source and the two different lubrication zones. Each circuit independently delivers clean lubrication liquid to its designated zone, preventing direct interaction and contamination between the two lubrication paths.
3Device complexity
If lubrication liquid is directed to both guide devices from a single source, then the system is simple, but lubricant usage increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The lubrication distribution system is segmented into two separate circuits, each optimized for its specific lubrication zone. This allows for precise control of lubricant flow to each guide device, eliminating waste from over-lubrication and reducing overall lubricant consumption while maintaining simple system architecture through modular design.
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 effectively separates and directs lubrication liquid streams, reducing contamination, optimizing lubricant usage, and enhancing the detection of metal particles, thereby improving the reliability and longevity of the mechanical system.
Implementation Method 1
The lubricating liquid may for example be directed into each coat supporting a satellite wheel and put under pressure under the effect of the centrifugal force to pass through the inner ring to lubricate the rolling elements of the guiding device of this satellite wheel.
Implementation Method 2
when the satellite holder guide device is located higher than the satellite wheels, the flow of lubricating liquid flows through gravity by first passing through the guiding device of the satellite holder, and then The guiding devices of the satellite wheels.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device for separating and collecting (40) two streams (51, 52) of a lubricating fluid for an epicyclic gear train (10) comprising a toothed planetary gear (11), a toothed outer ring gear (12), a planet carrier (20), and toothed planet gears (30) carried by said planet carrier (20). Said epicyclic gear train (10) is lubricated by a lubrication circuit (50) directing a lubricating fluid, in particular, to a first rotational guide device (25) of said planet carrier (20) and to second rotational guide devices (35) of said planet gears (30).The separation and collection device (40) allows on the one hand to convey a first flow (51) of said lubricating liquid to said second guiding devices (35) and on the other hand to convey a second flow (52) of said lubricating liquid flowing by gravity from said first guiding device (25) between two planetary wheels (30) thus avoiding the mixing of the two flows (51,52).