Planetary Gear Set for Counter-Rotating Propeller Outputs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for converting rotary inputs into counter-rotating outputs, such as in dual propeller arrangements, face challenges in maintaining suitable rotational speed and power distribution between propeller rows while keeping blade tip speed within acceptable limits, leading to inefficiencies and design complications.
Innovation Solution
A planetary gear set with a sun gear, planet gears, a carrier, and a ring gear is used to transmit rotary inputs into counter-rotating outputs, where the carrier and ring gear transmit power to respective propeller rows, allowing for adjustable gear ratios and speeds to achieve a balanced power distribution and rotational speed relationship.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a planetary gear set is used to transmit rotary input into counter-rotating outputs, then power distribution and rotational speed balance between propeller rows is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The planetary gear set is segmented into distinct functional components: sun gear for input reception, planet gears for power splitting, carrier for supporting planet gears, and ring gear for counter-rotation output. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component while achieving balanced power distribution to multiple propeller rows.
Solution Approach 2:
The planetary gear set serves multiple functions simultaneously: it converts single-direction rotary input into counter-rotating outputs, distributes power to multiple propeller rows, controls rotational speed ratios, and maintains compact configuration. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by achieving productivity improvement through a single integrated mechanism rather than multiple separate systems.
2Speed
If adjustable gear ratios are implemented in the planetary gear set, then rotational speed control between propeller rows is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The planetary gear set achieves adjustable gear ratios by changing the physical parameters of the gear components, specifically the number of teeth on the sun gear, planet gears, and ring gear. By varying these tooth counts during manufacturing, different speed ratios are achieved without requiring complex adjustable mechanisms, thus balancing speed control capability with manufacturing feasibility.
3Volume of moving object
If the first shaft member encircles the second shaft member, then space utilization is improved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The first shaft member is nested around the second shaft member in a concentric arrangement, with the first shaft member having a hollow cylindrical structure that accommodates the second shaft member. This nesting achieves compact space utilization by eliminating radial separation between shafts, while the hollow structure of the first shaft member provides clearance for the second shaft to rotate independently, maintaining operational ease.
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 effectively balances rotational speed and power delivery between propeller rows, minimizing blade tip speed and enhancing efficiency while maintaining propulsion capabilities, applicable in both pusher and tractor propeller arrangements.
Implementation Method 1
a planetary gear set having a sun gear rotatable by a rotary input, a plurality of planet gears in meshed engagement with the sun gear
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for transmitting a rotary input into counter-rotating outputs is disclosed herein. An exemplary apparatus for performing the method includes a planetary gear set having a sun gear rotatable by a rotary input, a plurality of planet gears in meshed engagement with the sun gear, a carrier coupling the plurality of planet gears together, and a ring gear encircling and in meshed engagement with the plurality of planet gears. The exemplary apparatus also includes a first shaft member coupled to the carrier for transmitting motion in a first rotational direction. The exemplary apparatus also includes a second shaft member coupled to the ring gear for transmitting motion in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction. The first shaft member at least partially encircles the second shaft member.