Planetary Carrier Tilt Pads for Axial Support and Load Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gear assemblies in wind turbines face challenges in effectively supporting axial forces and preventing tilting of planet gears due to uneven load distribution, which complicates mounting and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A gear assembly with a planetary gear set and axial tilting pads, where the tilting pads are radially arranged on the planetary carrier and recessed to allow flexibility and secure attachment, using a combination of a slide bearing and hard coatings for low friction and wear resistance, along with spring elements to maintain alignment and absorb axial forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If axial tilting pads are provided to support axial forces, then axial support capability is improved, but the structure becomes more complex and mounting becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The axial tilting pad support is segmented into multiple independent tilting pads (typically three) arranged circumferentially on the planetary carrier. Each pad can tilt independently to accommodate load variations, providing distributed axial support rather than a single complex support structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The tilting pads are designed with a tilt axis that allows them to dynamically adjust their orientation in response to varying axial loads and planet gear tilting. This dynamic adaptation enables the pads to maintain optimal contact with the planet gears under different operating conditions without requiring a complex adjustable mechanism.
2Reliability
If axial tilting pads are provided to prevent planet gear tilting, then operational reliability is improved, but mounting complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tilting pads are integrated directly into the planetary carrier structure, merging the support function with the carrier body. This integration eliminates the need for separate mounting components and procedures, making installation as straightforward as fitting standard bearing elements while maintaining high operational reliability.
3Ease of operation
If recesses are provided to receive tilting pads, then ease of mounting is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The recesses in the planetary carrier are designed with specific local geometric features (such as tapered surfaces or定位 features) that guide the tilting pads into correct position during mounting. These localized precision features are concentrated only where needed for alignment, rather than requiring high precision throughout the entire component.
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 solution provides a simple and effective axial support that compensates for tilting and uneven loads, reducing wear and maintenance complexity while ensuring reliable operation under mixed friction conditions.
Implementation Method 1
spring elements to maintain alignment and absorb axial forces
Implementation Method 2
combination of a slide bearing and hard coatings for low friction and wear resistance
Implementation Method 3
hard coatings for low friction and wear resistance
Data Source
AI summary
A gear assembly includes a planetary gear set having a sun gear, planet gears, and a ring gear. The planet gears are respectively rotatably mounted by a bearing on a respective planetary pin. The respective planetary pin is connected to a planetary carrier. Tilting pads arranged radially circumferentially with respect to the planetary pin are provided on sides of the planetary carrier facing the planet gears. The planetary carrier has, on sides facing the planet gears, recesses arranged radially circumferentially with respect to the planetary pin and corresponding to the tilting pads. The recesses are configured to receive at least part of the tilting pads.