Planetary Gear Axial Force Management via Integrated Hydrodynamic Bearing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing planetary gear designs face challenges in managing axial forces and wear, particularly in absorbing the weight of sun wheels and ensuring reliable lubrication without additional components.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates coaxially arranged sun wheels with a hydrodynamic axial bearing between them, featuring recesses for lubricant supply and a pin for tool holding, which simplifies production and ensures effective lubrication and axial force absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hydrodynamic axial bearing is arranged between sun wheels, then axial forces are absorbed and wear is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing surfaces are integrated directly into the end faces of the sun wheels themselves, eliminating the need for separate bearing components. The first sun wheel has a bearing surface on its end face, and the second sun wheel has a corresponding bearing surface, creating a hydrodynamic axial bearing through the combination of these two surfaces without requiring additional parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The sun wheels serve dual functions: they transmit torque through their gear teeth and simultaneously provide the bearing surfaces for axial support. The end faces of the sun wheels themselves form the hydrodynamic bearing surfaces, allowing the components to support their own axial loads without requiring separate dedicated bearing structures.
2Reliability
If recesses are formed in sun wheel end faces for lubricant supply, then lubrication is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The recesses are pre-formed in the sun wheel end faces during the manufacturing process, allowing lubricant to be stored and supplied to the bearing surfaces before the gear begins operation. This preliminary preparation of lubricant pathways ensures immediate lubrication upon startup, preventing dry running and reducing wear during the critical initial operation phase.
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 configuration reduces wear, securely transmits torque, and allows for varying transmission ratios while maintaining a simple and cost-effective manufacturing process.
Implementation Method 1
a hydrodynamic axial bearing being arranged between the sun wheels. An advantage in this regard is that axial forces that may act on the sun wheels, for example the weight of the sun wheels themselves, are absorbed and a wear is reduced.
Data Source
AI summary
A planetary gear, in particular a multi-stage planetary gear, includes at least two sun wheels, which are disposed coaxially one behind the other. A hydrodynamic axial bearing is arranged between the sun wheels.