Planetary Gearbox Thrust Washer for Axial Ring Gear Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing planetary gearboxes face inefficiencies in managing axial forces and space utilization due to the need for bearings to support stationary ring gears, which can be costly and complex.
Innovation Solution
A thrust washer is positioned axially between two ring gears, with contact areas on each end face to support the ring gears directly within the gearbox housing, utilizing existing components and avoiding additional parts, and is designed to allow for deformation and lubrication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bearings are used to support stationary ring gears, then reliability of axial force support is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the bearing support structure from the gearbox assembly, eliminating the need for bearings to support stationary ring gears. Instead, the ring gears are directly supported by the gearbox housing through integrated support surfaces, removing complex bearing components while maintaining axial force support reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the function of axial force support directly into the gearbox housing structure. The housing is designed with integrated support surfaces that simultaneously provide structural support and axial force bearing capabilities, eliminating the need for separate bearing components
2Force
If bearings are used to support ring gears, then axial force management is improved, but space utilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The housing structure is merged with the axial force support function, creating an integrated design where the housing itself provides the support surfaces. This eliminates the need for additional bearing components and their associated clearance spaces, optimizing space utilization within the gearbox
3Reliability
If additional components are added to support ring gears, then axial force support is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support function is merged into the housing structure, eliminating the need for separate bearing components. This reduces the total part count, simplifies the bill of materials, and reduces assembly steps, directly lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining reliable axial force support
Solution Approach 2:
The gearbox housing is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: structural containment, mounting support, and axial force bearing. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated bearing components, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost
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 supports axial forces without the need for bearings, optimizing space utilization and reducing costs while maintaining efficient operation across various driving modes.
Implementation Method 1
a first contact area (9) for contacting the first ring gear (2) and a second contact area (10) for contacting the second ring gear (3)
Data Source
AI summary
A planetary gearbox having two ring gears arranged in different planes, of which a first ring gear and a second ring gear are designed to mesh during operation with at least one planet gear of a respective planet gear set, wherein a thrust washer is arranged axially between the two ring gears and a first contact area for making contact with the first ring gear is present on the first end face and a second contact area for making contact with the second ring gear is present on the second end face.