Planet-Carrier Lubrication Layout for Low-Leak Turbine Gears
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mechanical reduction gears for turbine engines face challenges in efficiently and economically lubricating their planet-carriers, leading to potential oil leaks and increased complexity in assembly.
Innovation Solution
The integration of independent lubrication circuits within the planet-carrier cage, featuring annular oil chambers and channels that are compactly designed and easily accessible, reduces the number of parts and facilitates assembly while minimizing oil leaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional separate lubrication circuits are used for planet-carrier, then lubrication coverage is improved, but device complexity and number of parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges separate lubrication circuits into a single integrated cage structure. The cage incorporates multiple oil inlet passages, annular oil chambers, and distribution channels that simultaneously supply lubrication to both planet gear axes and gear tooth contacts, eliminating the need for separate lubrication systems while maintaining comprehensive lubrication coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The cage structure serves multiple functions: it supports planet gear axes, provides lubrication circuits, and distributes oil to various components. The integrated design makes the cage a multi-functional component that combines structural support with lubrication delivery, reducing overall system complexity
2Ease of manufacture
If integrated lubrication circuits are used in planet-carrier cage, then ease of manufacture and assembly is improved, but lubrication circuit design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lubrication system is segmented into distinct functional zones within the cage: oil inlet passages, annular oil chambers for axial lubrication, and distribution channels for radial lubrication. This segmentation allows for systematic design and manufacturing while maintaining integration, making the complex lubrication circuit easier to manufacture and assemble
3Reliability
If multiple independent lubrication circuits are integrated in cage, then lubrication efficiency is improved, but oil leak risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple lubrication circuits into a single integrated system within the cage, the patent reduces the number of external connections and potential leak points. The integrated design contains all lubrication pathways within the cage structure, minimizing exposure and reducing oil leak risks while maintaining efficient lubrication delivery
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 design enhances lubrication efficiency, reduces oil leaks, and simplifies manufacturing and assembly by integrating lubrication systems within the planet-carrier, thereby improving the overall performance and reliability of the reduction gear.
Implementation Method 1
The planet-carrier includes first and second independent lubrication circuits, the first circuit including a first oil inlet connected by a first annular oil chamber extending around the axis X to ducts supplying oil to the axes of the planet gears, and the second circuit including a second oil inlet connected by a second annular oil chamber extending around the axis X to channels supplying oil to the gearings of the planet gears with the ring gear
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to the lubrication of a planet-carrier for a mechanical reduction gear of a turbine engine, for example of an aircraft. The planet-carrier includes a cage defining an internal housing configured to receive a central sun gear with an axis of rotation X, and an annular row of planet gears arranged around the sun gear. The cage includes two annular walls that are radial with respect to the axis X, and connected to one another at their outer periphery by a cylindrical wall. At least one of the radial walls has orifices for mounting the planet gears, and the cylindrical wall has through-holes for the passage of the gearings of the planet gears so that they may engage with a gearing of the ring gear, which is configured to extend around the planet gears and the cage.