Redundant Gearbox Assembly for Torque Transmission Failures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gearbox assemblies in aircraft are vulnerable to catastrophic failure at specific locations, leading to loss of torque transmission and potential system failure, necessitating frequent and costly maintenance.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of redundancy measures, such as reinforcement components like plates or brackets, and secondary bearings at vulnerable points to maintain torque transmission in case of failures, thereby preventing complete system failure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If reinforcement components are added to provide redundancy at vulnerable locations, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Reinforcement components such as plates and brackets are pre-installed at vulnerable locations (gear meshing points, bearing supports, casing joints) before failure occurs. These components remain inactive during normal operation but automatically engage when cracks or fractures develop, maintaining torque transmission without requiring real-time detection or activation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The gearbox assembly is divided into critical vulnerability zones (gear meshing areas, bearing locations, casing joints), and reinforcement components are selectively applied only to these specific segments rather than the entire structure. This targeted approach provides reliability improvement at critical points while minimizing overall complexity addition.
2Reliability
If secondary bearings are provided at vulnerable locations, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Secondary bearings are pre-positioned at vulnerable bearing locations alongside primary bearings. During normal operation, primary bearings carry the load while secondary bearings remain inactive or lightly loaded. When primary bearings fail, secondary bearings automatically engage to maintain shaft support and torque transmission without requiring detection systems or active switching mechanisms.
3Reliability
If reinforcement components are added to prevent catastrophic failure, then safety is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gearbox casing and components are designed as modular segments that can be manufactured separately and assembled. Reinforcement plates and brackets are manufactured as separate components that are attached to specific vulnerability zones, allowing standard manufacturing processes to be used for both the base gearbox and the reinforcement elements, simplifying production while maintaining safety.
Data Source
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AI summary
A gearbox assembly comprising a plurality of component parts in torque transmission connection via gear, shaft and/or housing components; the assembly further comprising means (19) for providing redundancy at selected locations where failure can lead to loss of torque transmission between component parts of the assembly.