Ring Gear Support Structure With Dual Snap Rings for Compact Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support structures for ring gears in planetary gear sets face challenges in preventing fall-off and misalignment, particularly due to the limited radial length of snap rings, which affects the axial length and stability of the gear set.
Innovation Solution
A support structure utilizing first and second snap rings, where the first snap ring is positioned non-overlapping with the gear radially and has a longer radial length than the second snap ring, which overlaps with the gear, enhancing the supporting ability and allowing for axial length reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If both snap rings are positioned so as not to overlap with the gear in the radial direction, then the gear can be properly supported, but the axial length of the gear set increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the first snap ring have a longer radial length than the second snap ring. Specifically, the first snap ring has a radial length of 5-10mm while the second snap ring has a radial length of 3-6mm. This differentiated design allows the first snap ring (positioned non-overlapping with the gear) to provide sufficient support without requiring both snap rings to be long, thereby reducing the overall axial length while maintaining supporting ability.
2Reliability
If the radial length of snap rings is increased to prevent fall-off of the ring gear, then the supporting ability improves, but the axial length of the planetary gear set increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by assigning different radial lengths to different snap rings based on their specific functions and positions. The first snap ring, positioned non-overlapping with the gear, has a longer radial length (5-10mm) to provide primary support and prevent fall-off. The second snap ring, positioned overlapping with the gear, has a shorter radial length (3-6mm) as it provides secondary support. This differentiated approach ensures adequate support and fall-off prevention while minimizing the overall axial length.
3Reliability
If the radial length of snap rings is increased to allow self-alignment against inclination, then the supporting ability improves, but the axial length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the first snap ring have a longer radial length (5-10mm) compared to the second snap ring (3-6mm). The first snap ring, positioned non-overlapping with the gear, provides the primary self-alignment function against inclination due to its longer radial length. The second snap ring provides supplementary support. This differentiated design enables effective self-alignment while keeping the overall axial length compact.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a support structure for a ring gear, which includes: a clutch drum coupled by spline fitting with the ring gear; and first and second snap rings mounted to a circumferential wall of the clutch drum and supporting the ring gear. The first snap ring is positioned so as not to overlap with the ring gear in a radial direction. The second snap ring is positioned so as to overlap with the ring gear in the radial direction. A length of the first snap ring in the radial direction is longer than a length of the second snap ring in the radial direction.