Planetary Reducer Oil Distributor for Rotating Lubrication Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical reducers in turbomachines, particularly in aircraft, face challenges in efficiently and economically transferring lubricating oil to rotating components, such as planet gears and bearings, due to the need for oil transfer in a rotating field, which complicates the design and assembly process.
Innovation Solution
A modular lubricating oil distributor system comprising separate oil distribution modules with pipes of varying diameters and orientations, assembled outside the planet carrier, featuring sealing mechanisms like O-ring seals and radial labyrinths, allows for efficient oil supply to rotating parts without significantly impacting the structural design, enabling easy mounting and assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional oil transfer system is used in a rotating field, then oil can be transferred to rotating components, but the design and assembly process becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The oil distributor is divided into multiple independent modules, each responsible for supplying oil to specific bearings or gear meshes. This segmentation allows each module to be designed, manufactured, and assembled separately, significantly reducing the overall design and assembly complexity while maintaining reliable oil transfer to all rotating components
Solution Approach 2:
The oil distributor modules are designed to be dynamically assembled onto the rotating planet carrier during operation. The modules can be independently installed and removed without requiring complete disassembly of the reducer, enabling flexible maintenance and reducing assembly complexity while ensuring continuous reliable oil supply
2Reliability
If oil is transferred to rotating planet carrier bearings, then lubrication is provided, but the structural design is significantly impacted
Solution Approach 1:
The oil distribution function is segmented into separate modular units that attach to the planet carrier rather than being integrated into its structure. This allows the planet carrier to maintain its original structural design while the external modules provide the necessary oil transfer pathways to bearings and gear meshes
Solution Approach 2:
The oil distributor modules act as intermediary components between the stationary oil reservoir and the rotating planet carrier bearings. These modules include rotating seals and centrifugal pumps that mediate the oil transfer process, enabling lubrication without requiring structural modifications to the planet carrier itself
3Reliability
If a complex oil distribution system is integrated into the planet carrier, then complete lubrication coverage is achieved, but assembly becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The oil distribution system is segmented into multiple identical or similar modules, each handling lubrication for specific components. These standardized modules can be manufactured using the same processes and assembled in a systematic sequence, dramatically improving manufacturing ease and assembly efficiency while maintaining complete lubrication coverage across all gear meshes and bearings
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple oil distribution functions are merged into integrated modules that simultaneously supply oil to multiple targets (e.g., a single module serving both a bearing and a gear mesh). This merging reduces the total number of separate components and assembly steps while ensuring comprehensive lubrication coverage
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
The modular oil distributor system effectively supplies lubrication to rotating components, simplifies assembly, and minimizes structural modifications, ensuring reliable oil transfer while maintaining mechanical integrity and reducing assembly complexity.
Implementation Method 1
the outlet of each pipe may comprise sealing means, the sealing means comprising at least one O-ring seal allowing to ensure the sealing of a connection of the outlet with each corresponding opening
Implementation Method 2
Reducers need oil to lubricate and cool gears, splines, rollers, and bearings
Implementation Method 3
Reducers need oil to lubricate and cool gears, splines, rollers, and bearings
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a mechanical reducer (6) for a turbomachine, in particular an aircraft, this reducer (6) including:a sun gear extending around an axis (61) of rotation,a crown which extends around the sun gear and which is configured to be fixed in rotation around said axis (61),planet gears which are meshed with the sun gear and the crown and which are held by a planet carrier (62) which is configured to be movable in rotation about said axis (61), In addition, the oil distributor (65) comprises a plurality of oil distribution modules (67) assembled together, each module (67) comprising at least one lubrication pipe (68) having an inlet intended to receive oil and an outlet (69) adapted to lead the oil into an opening (63) of the planet carrier (62), the opening (63) being intended for lubricating the reducer.