Intermediate Gear Lubrication via Axial Recesses
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing intermediate gear devices for internal combustion engines require complex and costly manufacturing processes for radial transverse bores in lubricant ducts, which increase production expenses and tool wear.
Innovation Solution
The use of recesses on the contact surfaces of the support disk and axle eliminates the need for radial transverse bores, allowing for simpler and more economical manufacturing, with the option of non-cutting stamping and flexible lubricant volume control through the number and shape of recesses, and the axle can be made flange-free for centerless grinding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If radial transverse bores are used in the lubricant duct to supply lubricant to the needle bearing, then reliable lubrication is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from radial transverse bores (horizontal dimension) to axial recesses (vertical dimension) for lubricant supply. The lubricant duct opens axially into the needle bearing through recesses formed in the support disk or axle end face, eliminating the need for complex radial drilling operations while maintaining effective lubrication delivery to the needle bearing.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the lubricant delivery system by replacing radial bores with axial recesses. This parameter change includes altering the orientation (from radial to axial), the shape (from cylindrical bore to recess), and the formation method (from drilling/milling to stamping or simple machining), thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining lubrication functionality.
2Reliability
If radial transverse bores are manufactured in the lubricant duct, then lubricant supply to the needle bearing is ensured, but manufacturing time and tool wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the dimension of lubricant delivery from radial bores requiring drilling operations to axial recesses that can be formed by stamping or simple end-face machining. This dimensional change eliminates time-consuming radial drilling operations while ensuring adequate lubricant supply to the needle bearing through the recesses in the support disk or axle.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the axle is made with flanges for axial support, then structural stability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the flanges from the axle design, transferring the axial support function entirely to the support disks. This extraction simplifies the axle to a basic shaft without protruding flanges, enabling centerless grinding and reducing manufacturing complexity, while the support disks provide the necessary axial positioning and stability for the intermediate gear.
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 approach significantly reduces manufacturing costs and allows for reliable lubrication of the needle bearing with adjustable volume flow, enabling efficient and cost-effective production of intermediate gear devices.
Implementation Method 1
the mouth of the lubricant duct opens toward the needle bearing that is formed by one or more recesses on the contact surface of the support disk and/or on the contact surface of the axle
Data Source
AI summary
An intermediate gear device for a traction drive and/or spur gear drive of an internal combustion engine is provided, having an intermediate gear that has an at least two-track construction with a drive gear and a driven gear, an axle, and a needle bearing by which the intermediate gear is radially mounted on the axle. At least one supporting disk is provided on which the intermediate gear is axially supported, and a duct, that is connectable to the lubricant circuit of the internal combustion engine, to supply lubricant to the needle bearing. The support disk and the axle contact one another at the end faces, the mouth of the lubricant duct that opens toward the needle bearing is formed by one or more recesses on the contact surface of the support disk and/or on the contact surface of the axle.