Planetary Gearset Lubrication Using Shaft Oil Deflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In small diameter turbomachines, the radial space between the inner periphery of the cup and the shaft is insufficient to accommodate traditional lubrication systems, making it difficult to effectively lubricate the meshing zones and satellite pinion axes without using complex networks of pressurized oil routing pipes and dynamic seals that are prone to wear.
Innovation Solution
An epicycloidal gear train assembly with a central pinion and outer crown, where oil is projected towards deflection means on the shaft, allowing initial centrifugation and increased pressure, enabling better oil circulation within the satellite carrier, eliminating the need for direct oil projection and reducing wear on seals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional direct oil projection is used, then the lubrication system is simple, but the radial space required is too large for small diameter turbomachines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary deflection means (deflection plate or deflection means formed on the shaft) between the fixed oil projection means and the cup. The oil is first projected onto the deflection means, which then deflects it towards the cup. This intermediary mechanism enables oil delivery in tight radial spaces without requiring complex pressurized routing pipes or dynamic seals.
2Reliability
If complex networks of pressurized oil routing pipes are used, then lubrication is effective, but the system requires dynamic seals that are prone to wear and require regular maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the problematic dynamic seals and complex pressurized oil routing pipes from the system. By using a fixed oil projection means that projects oil onto a rotating shaft with deflection means, the system achieves effective lubrication without requiring dynamic seals, thereby improving reliability and reducing maintenance requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating shaft with deflection means serves itself by using its own rotation and surface to deflect the oil onto the cup. The system leverages the natural rotation of the shaft to achieve oil circulation without requiring external pressurized piping or sealed connections, thereby eliminating wear-prone dynamic seals.
3Stress or pressure
If oil is projected directly towards the cup, then the lubrication path is direct, but the oil pressure and circulation effectiveness are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by first projecting oil onto the rotating shaft surface, which then uses its rotation to centrifugally distribute and pressurize the oil before deflecting it onto the cup. This two-stage process (projection onto shaft, then deflection onto cup) creates higher oil pressure and more effective circulation compared to direct projection.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating shaft creates centrifugal forces and dynamic motion that enhance oil circulation. The rotation of the shaft with deflection means generates mechanical energy that pressurizes and distributes the oil more effectively than static direct projection, improving lubrication effectiveness.
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 ensures effective lubrication of the gear train components in tight spaces by increasing oil pressure through centrifugation, enhancing oil circulation and reducing maintenance needs, while avoiding the use of dynamic seals.
Implementation Method 1
The projection of oil towards the deflection means allows an initial centrifugation of the oil on the shaft, which increases its pressure compared to the previous technique.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns an assembly comprising an epicycloidal gear train (10) having a central pinion (26), an outer crown (28) and satellite pinions (32) in engagement with the central pinion (26) and the outer crown (28) and each mounted freely rotatable on a satellite carrier (36), the central pinion (26) surrounding and being rotationally fixed to a shaft (24) and the gear train comprising means for lubricating the teeth and axes (34) of the satellite pinions (32), these means including an annular cup (56) fixed to the satellite carrier (36) opened radially inward. According to the invention, the assembly includes fixed oil spraying means (64) configured to spray oil towards oil deflecting means (70) towards the inside of the annular cup (56).