Stepped Planetary Gear Oil Supply Cups for Multi-Stage Lubrication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gear oil supply devices for turbomachines, particularly those with planetary or differential gear reducers, face challenges in modulating oil flow distribution based on turbomachine speed and differentiating lubricant types, leading to inefficiencies and maintenance issues due to the use of complex and unreliable systems with significant pressure drops.
Innovation Solution
A stepped oil supply device with two annular cups, each connected to independent oil injection means, allowing for angular and centripetal oil distribution, enabling separate lubrication stages with different lubricant properties adapted to specific gear needs, and facilitating easier mounting and assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single cup oil supply device is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot differentiate lubricant types for different gear stages
Solution Approach 1:
The oil supply device is divided into multiple cups (first cup and second cup) that are axially offset and segmented along the axis of rotation. Each cup is dedicated to a specific gear stage (solar pinion/satellites vs. satellite bearings), allowing different lubricant types to be supplied to different stages. This segmentation enables lubricant differentiation while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Each cup is equipped with nozzles of different diameters tailored to the specific lubrication needs of each gear stage. The first cup supplies oil to the solar pinion and satellites, while the second cup supplies oil to the satellite bearings. This local quality approach allows each region to receive appropriately customized lubrication.
2Reliability
If rotary joint systems are used to transfer oil, then oil can be supplied to rotating planetary gears, but the system becomes bulky and prone to wear
Solution Approach 1:
The oil supply device is directly mounted on the planet carrier and rotates together with the planetary gears. The cups are integral to the rotating assembly, eliminating the need for separate rotary joints or seals. This self-service approach allows the system to supply oil to rotating gears without requiring complex intermediary mechanisms, thereby improving reliability and reducing complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If nozzles of the same diameter are used for each axial section, then the structure is simple, but it cannot adjust oil flow distribution based on lubrication requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzles in each cup have different diameters according to the specific lubrication requirements of each gear stage. The first cup has nozzles sized for the solar pinion and satellite gear lubrication, while the second cup has nozzles sized for satellite bearing lubrication. This local quality approach allows optimized oil flow distribution while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized nozzle 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 solution provides a reliable, efficient, and adaptable lubrication system that overcomes pressure drop issues and allows for differentiated lubricant use, enhancing the maintenance and operational efficiency of turbomachine reducers.
Implementation Method 1
The cup, which rotates with the oil supply device (referred to as a 'wheel' or 'distributor') around the injection means, confines the oil recovered by centrifugation before directing it to the gear lubrication means
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an oil supply device (54) for supplying oil to an epicyclic gear reducer (32), the oil coming from at least one oil injection means (58a, 58b) fixed relative to the reducer (32), said oil supply device (54) comprising at least one cup (56a, 56b) integral with a planet carrier (44) of the reducer and substantially annular, open radially with respect to an axis (X) of the reducer (32), and whose walls (62a, 64a, 66a, 62b, 64b, 66c) delimit a cavity (59a, 59b) supplied by said at least one oil injection means and which supplies at least one of the oil distribution circuits (54a, 54b) of the reducer, the oil supply device (54) being staged and comprising at least two independent stages equipped with coaxial cups (56a, 56b) of different diameters, each supplying an associated oil circuit (54a, 54b) and configured to receive the oil axially, in a centripetal manner,or tangentially, or along an inclined direction combining two of said directions.