Planetary Speed Reducer Alignment Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical speed reducing assemblies face inefficiencies due to slipping and abrasion caused by relative rotation, leading to reduced torque capacity and shorter service life, primarily because of misalignment and skewness issues.
Innovation Solution
The mechanical speed reducing assembly incorporates a first sun wheel and a first ring wheel with a hollow planetary member and an alignment ring that secures against motion along the symmetry axis, reducing slipping and abrasion by providing a thrust bearing surface to align the planetary member more accurately with the symmetry axis, thus enhancing torque capacity and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If an axle & cam system is used to constrain planetary members, then alignment of planetary members with sun wheel and ring wheel is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the complex axle & cam constraint system from the prior art. Instead of using these complex mechanisms, the patent employs a simplified alignment ring with a protrusion that directly engages the groove in the planetary member, achieving alignment through a single, simple component that reduces overall device complexity while maintaining alignment stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the alignment mechanism from a multi-component axle & cam system to a simple geometric engagement between the alignment ring protrusion and the groove. This parameter change in the constraint mechanism transforms a complex system into a simple, effective alignment solution that reduces device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the planetary member is allowed to rotate about a non-fixed axis, then adaptability increases, but slipping and abrasion increase due to misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment ring acts as an intermediary component between the fixed sun wheel/ring wheel and the movable planetary member. The protrusion of the alignment ring engages the groove of the planetary member, providing a guiding action that maintains proper alignment during rotation. This intermediary mechanism allows the planetary member to rotate freely while preventing misalignment that would cause slipping and abrasion.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment ring performs preliminary alignment action before the planetary member begins its rotational operation. By pre-positioning the planetary member through the groove-protrusion engagement, the system ensures proper alignment is established in advance, preventing misalignment-related slipping and abrasion during subsequent operation.
3Manufacturing precision
If the alignment ring protrudes into the groove, then alignment precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment ring is segmented into distinct functional features: the main ring body and the protrusion element. This segmentation allows the protrusion to be a simple, isolated feature that engages the groove for alignment, while the rest of the ring maintains its simple circular structure. This segmented approach achieves alignment precision without adding overall structural complexity.
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 configuration reduces lost thrust and abrasive wear, increasing the assembly's torque capacity and extending its service life by minimizing slippage and misalignment-related losses.
Implementation Method 1
The first cylindrical section (4) of the first planetary member (3) is in frictional engagement with an outer surface of the first sun wheel (1) and with an inner surface of the first ring wheel (2)
Data Source
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AI summary
Mechanical speed reducing assembly comprising a first sun wheel, a first ring wheel arranged concentrically about the first sun wheel, such that the first sun wheel and the first ring wheel share a first symmetry axis, at least a hollow first planetary member comprising a first cylindrical section in frictional engagement with an outer surface of the first sun wheel and with an inner surface of the first ring wheel, the first planetary member being arranged to rotate about a second axis, wherein the first planetary member comprises a circumferential first groove and a circumferential second groove , which are spaced apart from each other by the first cylindrical section, further comprising at least a first alignment ring which is secured to the first sun wheel or to the first ring wheel against motion along the first symmetry axis and which protrudes into the first groove or the second groove.