Planetary Gear Set with Insert Part for Play-Free Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current planetary gear sets with segmented annular rings require complex centering and locking mechanisms, leading to high manufacturing costs and play in the assembly of components.
Innovation Solution
A planetary gear set design featuring an annular ring with internal gearing and a circular insert part with external and internal gearing, allowing for seamless engagement between gear stages without additional centering or fixing means, using straight or helical gearing to achieve a connection that is essentially free of play.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If annular rings are segmented in axial direction with additional centering and locking means, then modular construction for different gear stages is enabled, but manufacturing cost increases and assembly play occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the centering function and locking function into the gear engagement interface itself. The planet gears simultaneously perform gear transmission, axial centering, and radial locking by engaging with both the first and second annular rings, eliminating the need for separate centering and locking mechanisms while maintaining modular construction capability
Solution Approach 2:
The planet gears are designed to perform multiple functions: power transmission through gear engagement, axial positioning through engagement with both annular rings, and radial fixation through the gear mesh interface. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count and simplifies the structure while enabling modular configuration for different gear stages
2Manufacturing precision
If close tolerances are complied with for centering and locking means, then play-free assembly is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gear engagement interface automatically provides self-centering and self-locking functionality through the natural geometry of the gear mesh. The planet gears engage with both annular rings in a way that inherently maintains axial and radial positioning without requiring additional precision-machined centering or locking features, reducing manufacturing tolerances and costs
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional centering and locking means are added, then modular construction is enabled, but number of individual parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of multiple separate components (centering means, locking means, and gear stages) into the integrated gear engagement system. The planet gears and annular rings work together as a unified system that provides both modular adaptability and reduced part count by eliminating dedicated centering and locking components
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 simplifies the construction of multiple gear stages, reduces the number of individual parts needed, enhances variability, and lowers manufacturing costs while ensuring a play-free connection, enabling efficient torque transfer and improved stiffness.
Implementation Method 1
the external gearing is in engagement with the annular ring
Implementation Method 2
the internal gearing meshes with planet gears of another gear stage
Implementation Method 3
the annular ring has straight gearing, which is in engagement with the external gearing of the insert part that is designed as straight gearing
Implementation Method 4
the internal gearing of the insert part is designed as helical gearing
Data Source
AI summary
Planetary gear set with several gear stages, comprising an annular ring with which the planet gears are in engagement with at least one gear stage; according to the invention it is provided that at least one circular insert part with external and internal gearing is arranged in an annular ring, whereby the external gearing is in engagement with the annular ring and the internal gearing meshes with planet gears of another gear stage.