Planetary Carrier Coupling Plate Layout for Lightweight Rigidity
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Solution Overview
Problem
In aircrafts, simply reducing the weight of planetary gear mechanisms to improve fuel efficiency leads to a deterioration in the required rigidity of these mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A planetary carrier design that includes a first and second plate to pivotally support planetary gears on a circular path, with coupling plates located between the plates and external members, allowing for weight reduction while maintaining necessary rigidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the weight of the planetary gear mechanism is reduced to improve fuel efficiency, then fuel efficiency is improved, but the required rigidity of the planetary gear mechanism deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The planetary carrier is divided into a first plate, a second plate, and multiple coupling plates. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for weight and strength, enabling weight reduction while maintaining overall structural rigidity through the distributed coupling plate structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling plates are positioned at specific locations between the first and second plates, with different coupling configurations at different circumferential positions. This local quality approach allows rigidity to be concentrated where needed (near planetary gears) while reducing material elsewhere, resolving the contradiction between weight reduction and rigidity maintenance.
2Weight of moving object
If the planetary carrier structure is simplified for weight reduction, then weight is reduced, but the structural rigidity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The planetary carrier is segmented into multiple functional plates (first plate, second plate, coupling plates) that work together. This segmentation creates a distributed structural system that achieves rigidity through geometric configuration rather than material quantity, enabling weight reduction without sacrificing structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling plates extend in the thickness direction between the first and second plates, creating a three-dimensional structural configuration. This dimensional approach provides rigidity through spatial arrangement and leverage rather than relying solely on increased material thickness or volume, thus reducing weight while maintaining strength.
Data Source
AI summary
A planetary carrier includes: a first plate and a second plate which pivotally support planetary gears between opposing plate surfaces of the first and second plates such that the planetary gears are located on a circular path so as to be spaced apart from each other, the circular path being a path of rotational centers of the planetary gears; and coupling plates which are located between the opposing plate surfaces, are spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction of the circular path, couple the first plate and the second plate, and are coupled to external members at positions away from the planetary gears in the circumferential direction. The coupling plates are coupled to the external members at an outside of the circular path in a radial direction. Each of the coupling plates is coupled to the first plate and the second plate only at a first side in the circumferential direction.