Lubrication Directing Ring for High-Speed Raveneaux Gearsets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Raveneaux gearsets face challenges in lubrication and heat dissipation due to the proximity of planetary gears and sun gears, which leads to inadequate lubricant distribution and increased friction and temperature, causing degradation, especially at high rotational speeds, and existing solutions compromise compactness and structural integrity.
Innovation Solution
A ring is circumferentially positioned around the sun gear shaft with radial holes, featuring a cutout that directs lubricant axially across gear teeth, creating a pocket to trap lubricant and prevent it from escaping, thus enhancing lubrication and heat dissipation without the need for external sprayers, maintaining compactness and structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If radial holes are used to deliver lubricant to gear teeth, then lubrication is improved, but at high rotational speeds lubricant is forced out of gear meshes before providing adequate lubrication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a director ring with axial flow passages that redirect lubricant flow from radial direction (through shaft holes) to axial direction (across gear faces). This dimensional change in flow direction allows lubricant to be delivered perpendicular to the direction of centrifugal force at high speeds, preventing the lubricant from being immediately thrown outward before it can lubricate the gear meshes.
2Reliability
If holes are drilled in gears to increase lubrication entry points, then lubrication is improved, but structural integrity decreases and complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the lubrication delivery function between two components: the shaft (which provides radial holes for lubricant supply) and the director ring (which provides axial flow passages for lubricant distribution). This segmentation allows the gears themselves to remain solid without holes, maintaining their structural integrity while still achieving comprehensive lubrication through the combined action of both components.
3Reliability
If sprayers are increased in size to provide adequate lubrication, then lubrication is improved, but the size of the Raveneaux gearset increases, reducing compactness
Solution Approach 1:
The director ring performs multiple functions within a compact structure: it receives lubricant from radial holes, redirects it axially across gear faces, distributes it to multiple gear meshes simultaneously, and contains it within the gearset. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sprayer components, achieving adequate lubrication while maintaining the compactness of the Raveneaux gearset.
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 ring effectively directs lubricant to gear teeth, improving lubrication and heat dissipation at high speeds while maintaining the compactness and structural integrity of the Raveneaux gearset, ensuring efficient operation and reducing degradation.
Implementation Method 1
The ring may direct lubricant from the holes in the shaft to the faces of the gears and between the intermeshed teeth of the gears
Implementation Method 2
The cutout and outer diameter of the ring may prevent lubricant from leaving gear faces and intermeshed gear teeth near where lubricant is splashed from entering other parts of a gear assembly
Implementation Method 3
The ring may force oil or other lubricants axially across the gear teeth of the intermeshed gears without sprayers
Data Source
AI summary
Systems are provided for a gearset for a vehicle transmission. In one example, a system includes a shaft comprising one or more lubricant holes oriented radially within the shaft, and one or more gears positioned radially around a central axis of the shaft. The system further includes a ring positioned circumferentially around the shaft. The ring is shaped with a radially extending portion and an axially extending portion, wherein the radially extending portion may direct lubricant flow from the radially oriented lubricant holes toward the axially extending portion, and the axially extending portion directs lubricant flow from the lubricant holes in an axial direction towards the one or more gears. The axially extending portion and radially extending portion form a cut in the ring.