Modular Gear Bearings with Keyhole Core for Phase Tuning

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The manufacture and assembly of planetary gearing systems are time-consuming and expensive due to the complexity and number of components required, making them economically unfeasible for widespread use.

Innovation Solution

A modular gear bearing system comprising a core module, roller module, and fastening module, where the core module has a keyhole shape facilitating phase tuning and attachment of gear and roller modules via fastening modules, allowing for easier assembly, disassembly, and phase adjustment of gear components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If traditional planetary gearing systems are used, then the gear bearing functions are integrated in one component, but the manufacture and assembly are time-consuming and expensive due to the number of components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of componentsVSAvoidassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The gear bearing component is divided into modular segments including a core module with keyhole shape, roller modules with cutout portions, and fastening modules. These segmented modules can be manufactured separately and assembled quickly, resolving the contradiction between component integration and assembly efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The core module with keyhole shape serves multiple functions: it provides the structural core, enables phase tuning through rotational adjustment, and facilitates modular attachment of roller and gear modules. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components while maintaining integrated gear bearing functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If modular design with keyhole core is used, then phase tuning is facilitated and assembly is easier, but additional fastening modules are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephase tuning easeVSAvoidfastening module requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The keyhole shape of the core module and the corresponding cutout portions in the roller and gear modules create a self-aligning, self-positioning system. The modular components are designed to fit together inherently, allowing phase tuning through simple rotational adjustment without requiring complex fastening mechanisms or specialized tools

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS7601091B2Modular gear bearings

Publication Date: 2009.10.13 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE ADMINISTRATOR NAT AERONAUTICS & SPACE ADMINISTRATION

AI summary

A gearing system using modular gear bearing components. Each component is composed of a core, one or more modules attached to the core and two or more fastening modules rigidly attaching the modules to the core. The modules, which are attached to the core, may consist of gears, rollers or gear bearing components. The core orientation affects the orientation of the modules attached to the core. This is achieved via the keying arrangement of the core and the component modules that attach to the core. Such an arrangement will also facilitate the phase tuning of gear modules with respect to the core and other gear modules attached to the core.