Planetary Ring Gear Mounting for Precise Herringbone Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of herringbone planetary gear trains in turbomachines is challenging due to the need for precise alignment and handling of heavy, interlocking rings, which requires complex and dangerous manual operations to balance axial loads and secure the ring components.
Innovation Solution
A device with longitudinal guides, arc-shaped brackets, and adjustable holding and rotation means facilitates the assembly and handling of the front and rear rings, allowing them to be securely attached and aligned with the planet gears, using rollers, springs, and a guide pin for precise positioning and rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual operations are used to handle and align the front and rear rings, then the rings can be installed, but the operation becomes complex and dangerous due to the heavy weight (at least fifteen kilos each) and precise alignment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mounting device as an intermediary tool between the operator and the heavy rings. This device includes holding means to securely grasp the rings, rotation means to facilitate alignment, and longitudinal guides to ensure precise positioning. By using this intermediary device, the complex and dangerous manual handling operations are replaced with a controlled and simplified process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical system (operator directly handling rings) with a mechanical assistance system (mounting device with holding means, rotation means, and guides). This substitution eliminates the need for complex manual coordination and reduces operational danger while maintaining the ability to handle heavy rings and achieve precise alignment.
2Productivity
If the rings are manually rotated and advanced axially to engage with planet gears, then assembly can be completed, but the process requires complex coordination and poses safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting device acts as an intermediary that takes over the dangerous tasks of rotating and advancing the heavy rings. The holding means securely grasp the rings, the rotation means provide controlled rotation, and the longitudinal guides ensure precise axial advancement. This intermediary system eliminates safety risks to operators while improving assembly efficiency through coordinated automated movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs preliminary actions by pre-positioning the rings using the longitudinal guides and holding means before the actual engagement with planet gears. The rotation means prepare the rings in the correct orientation beforehand, so that when advancement occurs, the engagement with planet gears happens smoothly and safely without requiring complex real-time coordination by operators.
3Manufacturing precision
If precise alignment of teeth between front and rear rings is achieved through manual fitting, then the ring can be assembled, but the process is time-consuming and requires high skill
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual fitting operations with a mechanical system consisting of longitudinal guides and holding means that automatically ensure precise alignment. The guides constrain the movement of rings to ensure their teeth are perfectly aligned during advancement, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual adjustment and reducing dependency on operator skill.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting device performs the alignment function automatically through its own structure. The longitudinal guides and holding means are designed to self-align the rings as they are advanced, without requiring external intervention or manual adjustment. This self-aligning mechanism reduces assembly time while maintaining high precision in tooth alignment.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for mounting a ring gear of an epicyclic gear train, the ring gear including a front ring gear and a rear ring gear, the device including: a plurality of longitudinal guides; a front mounting forming a portion of circle, including: at least two holes for passing the guides; a plurality of first system for supporting and rotating the front ring gear relative to the axis thereof, movable between a first position in which the front ring gear is supported and can rotate relative to the axis thereof and a second position in which the front ring gear is not supported; a rear mounting forming a portion of circle, including: at least two holes for passing the guides; and a plurality of second system for supporting and rotating the rear ring gear relative to the axis thereof, movable between a third position in which the rear ring gear is supported and can rotate relative to the axis thereof and a fourth position in which the rear ring gear is not supported.