Planet Carrier Lubrication Circuit Integration for Leak Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current mechanical reduction gears in turbomachines, particularly in aircraft turbomachines, face challenges in effectively lubricating the planet carrier, leading to increased complexity, part count, and risk of oil leaks.

Innovation Solution

Integration of independent lubrication circuits within the planet carrier cage, featuring a single-piece annular oil chambers and distributors, which simplifies production and assembly while reducing oil leak risks through optimized compactness and sealing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional separate lubrication circuits are used for planet carrier, then lubrication coverage is improved, but device complexity and part count increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelubrication coverageVSAvoidnumber of parts
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple separate lubrication circuits into a single integrated planet carrier structure. The planet carrier incorporates multiple oil supply conduits and chambers that deliver lubrication to different areas (satellite axes, tooth meshing points) through a unified design, reducing the number of separate components while maintaining comprehensive lubrication coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The planet carrier serves multiple functions simultaneously: it supports satellite axes, provides lubrication pathways to satellite bearings, delivers oil to tooth meshing zones, and maintains structural integrity. This multi-functional integration eliminates the need for separate lubrication components, reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If integrated single-piece lubrication circuits are used in planet carrier, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of partsVSAvoidconduits and channels integration
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple lubrication conduits and channels directly into the planet carrier body as a single-piece component. This approach reduces assembly complexity and the number of parts, though it requires precise manufacturing of the integrated pathways to ensure proper oil flow to all lubrication points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 reduces the number of parts, simplifies assembly, and minimizes oil leaks, enhancing the lubrication efficiency and reliability of the reduction gear system.

Implementation Method 1

The invention relates to a planet carrier for a mechanical reduction gear of a turbomachine, in particular an aircraft, lubrication of a planet carrier for a mechanical gear of a turbine engine

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLubrication: Lubrication

Data Source

PatentEP3696449B1Lubrication of a planet carrier for a mechanical gear of a turbine engine, in particular for an aircraft
Publication Date: 2024.05.22 SAFRAN TRANSMISSION SYST
  • EP3696449B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3696449B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3696449B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to the lubrication of a satellite carrier (10) for a mechanical reducer (6) of a turbomachine, in particular of an aircraft, this satellite carrier comprising a cage (14) defining an internal housing intended to receive a central sun (7) with axis X of rotation, and an annular row of satellites (8) arranged around the sun, this cage comprising two radial annular walls (14a, 14b) with respect to said axis X and connected together at their external periphery by a cylindrical wall (14c) with axis X, at least one of the radial walls comprising orifices (14aa) for mounting shafts (10b) of said satellites, and the cylindrical wall comprising openings (14ca) for the passage of teeth of the satellites for their meshing with a tooth of a ring gear (9) intended to extend around the satellites and the cage.