Aircraft Reduction Gear Ring Gear Carrier for Axial Force Take-Up
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanical reduction gears with double-stage planet gears face misalignment issues due to complex force take-up in the ring gear and planet carrier, exacerbated by radial and axial forces, which need to be effectively managed to prevent movement and ensure stable operation.
Innovation Solution
The mechanical reduction gear design incorporates a ring gear carrier with helical external splines that engage with complementary internal splines, allowing axial movement and axial fixation of the ring gear against an annular abutment, ensuring the transmission of torque and axial forces to the ring gear carrier, which can then transmit these forces to the turbomachine stator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If double-stage planet gears are used in a mechanical reduction gear, then the reduction ratio and torque transmission are improved, but the complexity of force take-up increases and misalignment risk is amplified
Solution Approach 1:
The planet gear is divided into two distinct toothing stages: a first toothing with mean diameter D1 meshed with the sun gear, and a second toothing with mean diameter D2 meshed with the ring gear. This segmentation allows each toothing to be optimized for its specific function, managing the complex force take-up by separating the engagement zones and reducing misalignment risks between the two meshing interfaces.
2Power
If the ring gear is subjected to significant radial and axial forces, then the torque transmission capability is improved, but the ring gear movement and misalignment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the functions of radial and axial force support into a single integrated ring gear structure. The ring gear simultaneously engages with both the sun gear (radial forces) and the planet carrier (axial forces), creating a unified force transmission path that maintains positional stability despite significant combined loading.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution addresses the two-dimensional force problem (radial and axial) by introducing a third dimension through the double-stage toothing arrangement. The first toothing handles radial forces from sun gear engagement, while the second toothing at a different diameter handles axial forces from ring gear engagement, effectively distributing forces across multiple spatial dimensions.
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 effectively takes up and transmits torque and axial forces, maintaining the ring gear's axial position during operation, enhancing the stability and efficiency of the reduction gear in turbomachines, particularly in double-stage and epicyclic configurations.
Implementation Method 1
the ring gear comprising helical external splines which are engaged in complementary internal splines of the ring gear carrier and which are configured to co-operate by sliding with these internal splines so as to force the ring gear to be held against the abutment during operation
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanical reduction gear of a turbomachine, in particular of an aircraft. The reduction gear includes a sun gear, a ring gear surrounded by a ring gear carrier, and planet gears meshed with the sun gear and the ring gear. The ring gear carrier includes an axial abutment on which the ring gear is configured to bear, and helical external splines which are engaged in complementary internal splines of the ring gear carrier and which are configured to cooperate by sliding with the internal splines so as to force the ring gear to be held against the abutment in operation.