Integrated Lubrication Cage Planet Carrier With Lower Axial Bulk
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cage planet carriers for turbine engine speed-reducing units with epicyclic gear trains are bulky in the axial direction and suffer from wear issues at interfaces, limiting their lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A planet carrier design with integrated lubrication means, featuring an annular groove in the second annular wall that extends to the periphery, reducing bulkiness and eliminating the need for an impeller, while providing efficient lubrication through radially extending channels and nozzles connected to supply tubes and injectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an impeller is provided on the cage planet carrier to provide lubrication, then lubrication function is achieved, but axial bulkiness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lubrication function previously performed by a separate impeller is merged directly into the cage structure. The cage now incorporates lubrication means (annular groove, channels, and nozzles) as integral parts, eliminating the need for a separate impeller component while maintaining the lubrication function.
Solution Approach 2:
The impeller component is extracted/removed from the system. Its lubrication function is extracted and redistributed through the integrated lubrication means (annular groove receiving oil, channels, and nozzles) that are formed directly in the cage structure.
2Reliability
If an impeller is mounted on the cage planet carrier, then lubrication is provided, but wear phenomena occur at interfaces limiting lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the lubrication function into the cage structure itself, the invention eliminates the interface between the impeller and other components. The lubrication means are formed as integral parts of the cage, removing the wear-prone interfaces that limited the lifespan of previous designs.
3Reliability
If a separate impeller is used for lubrication, then lubrication function is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines multiple functions (cage structure and lubrication delivery) into a single integrated component. The lubrication means (annular groove, channels, nozzles) are formed as integral parts of the cage, reducing the total number of components from two separate parts (cage + impeller) to one integrated part.
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 reduces axial bulkiness, simplifies manufacturing, enhances rigidity, and reduces wear and dynamic issues, resulting in a more efficient and durable planet carrier.
Implementation Method 1
a second of the annular walls is formed of a single part with lubrication means, which comprise an annular groove for receiving oil formed in the second wall and extending to the periphery of a central opening centred on the axis A of the second wall, the annular groove radially opening inwards
Data Source
AI summary
A planet carrier for a speed-reducing unit with an epicyclic gear train for a turbine engine, said planet carrier comprising a cage defining an internal space for assembling a central sun gear having an axis of rotation and an annular row of planet gears disposed around the axis and meshed with said sun gear, said cage comprising two substantially parallel annular walls centered on said axis and a cylindrical wall connecting said annular walls to their outer periphery, a first one of said annular walls being connected to a substantially cylindrical body, wherein a second one of said annular walls is formed as a single part with a lubrication grove, channel or duct.