Planetary Ring Gear Retention Using an Elastic Groove Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing planetary gear designs are complex and difficult to produce efficiently, lacking a straightforward method for secure axial fixation of the ring gear within the housing part.
Innovation Solution
A planetary gear design that utilizes a spring element, such as a perforated disc, which expands radially when pushed into the housing part's annular groove, creating a form-fitting connection by prestressing the ring gear against the housing part, allowing for easy assembly and production, with features like a chamfered annular groove and radially continuous slots for enhanced elasticity and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fixation methods are used for the ring gear, then secure axial fixation is achieved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a thin elastic retention ring made of flexible material that can be easily inserted and deformed. This retention ring flexibly adapts to the annular groove geometry, providing secure axial fixation through elastic deformation rather than complex mechanical interlocking structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention ring's elastic properties allow it to change its dimensional parameters (cross-sectional shape and size) during insertion and fixation. The ring transitions from a compressed state during insertion to an expanded state in the groove, creating secure fixation through parameter change rather than structural complexity.
2Reliability
If complex retention structures are implemented, then axial fixation is secured, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The retention ring is designed as a simple thin-walled elastic component that can be manufactured using standard forming processes. Its flexibility allows for easy insertion and self-securing in the annular groove without requiring precision assembly or complex retention mechanisms, greatly simplifying the manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic retention ring automatically secures itself in the annular groove through its own elastic deformation. When inserted, the ring compresses and then expands to engage the groove walls, creating a self-retaining structure that requires no additional fastening operations or complex assembly steps.
3Reliability
If a rigid retention structure is used, then axial fixation is achieved, but adaptability and ease of assembly are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The retention ring's elastic properties enable it to change its physical parameters during assembly. The ring can be compressed to a smaller cross-section for easy insertion, then expands to engage the annular groove walls, providing both adaptability during assembly and precise axial positioning once fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible thin-walled structure of the retention ring allows it to adapt to slight variations in groove geometry while maintaining secure fixation. This flexibility provides assembly adaptability without compromising the reliability of axial positioning when the ring is properly engaged.
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 production and assembly of planetary gears by providing a secure, axially prestressed connection that presses the ring gear against bearings, ensuring proper alignment and stress distribution, thus facilitating easier manufacturing and improved mechanical stability.
Implementation Method 1
the spring element is pressed into the annular groove and expands radially upon reaching the annular groove of the housing part
Implementation Method 2
A positive-locking connection is then achieved by means of the relaxed, i.e., radially expanded, spring element
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a planetary gearbox having a ring gear accommodated in a housing part, wherein the ring gear has, on its in particular radially outer surface, more particularly its radial outer face, an annular groove, more particularly an annular groove extending in the circumferential direction, wherein a spring element is held in the annular groove, which spring element at least partly protrudes into an annular groove formed in the housing part.