Ring Gear Flexure Mounting for Reduced Transmission Diameter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ring gear connections in planetary gear systems, such as those used in aircraft transmission systems, occupy valuable space due to their design, leading to space constraints on surrounding components like the airframe, hydraulics, and controls, and do not allow for efficient flexibility during operation.
Innovation Solution
A ring gear assembly with flanges extending from the ring gear that are bolted to the gear box case, allowing the ring gear to flex and distribute load, featuring a thinner first portion with a gap between the ring gear and the gear box case, enabling operation while reducing the overall diameter of the connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the ring gear uses an extended cantilevered portion that bolts into the gear box case with bolts extending in the same direction as the ring gear teeth, then the ring gear can be securely fastened to the gear box case, but the overall diameter of the transmission system increases, producing space constraints on surrounding components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the bolt orientation from radial (extending in the same direction as ring gear teeth) to axial (extending parallel to the ring gear axis). This dimensional change allows the bolts to secure the ring gear without increasing the radial diameter of the transmission system, thus resolving the contradiction between secure fastening and compact size.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of extending bolts radially outward from the ring gear center (conventional approach), the patent inverts the approach by extending bolts axially from the flange faces parallel to the ring gear axis. This inversion eliminates the need for radial space while maintaining secure fastening through the flange connection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the ring gear connection design allows movement of the ring gear within the case during operation, then flexibility is improved, but the connection structure becomes more complex and occupies more space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs thin flange structures with strategically positioned bolts that allow controlled flexing and movement of the ring gear. The flange acts as a flexible element that can accommodate operational movements while maintaining the connection, avoiding the need for complex articulated joints or multiple connection points.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection structure is segmented into discrete flange sections with individual bolts, allowing localized movement and flexibility at specific points while maintaining overall structural integrity. This segmentation enables the ring gear to flex during operation without requiring a completely complex connection system.
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 reduces the overall size and weight of the gear system, allowing for more space or increased power and torque capacity, and improves the power output ratio compared to prior designs by allowing the ring gear to flex and manage deflections effectively.
Implementation Method 1
The first portion may have a first width that is thinner than a second width of the second portion, and the thinner first width enables the ring gear to flex during operation of a transmission system that includes the ring gear
Data Source
AI summary
A ring gear assembly includes a ring gear, a gear box case, and a set of bolts. The ring gear includes a set of gear teeth inside the ring gear and arranged in a circle around the ring gear axis. The ring gear further includes a set of flanges arranged along at least one side of the ring gear. Each flange has a respective flange bolt hole therethrough, and each flange bolt hole has a respective bolt axis that is oriented perpendicular to the ring gear axis. The gear box case has a set of gear box bolt holes therethrough, each gear box bolt hole corresponding to a respective one of the flange bolt holes. Each of the bolts passes through a respective one of the gear box bolt holes and its corresponding flange bolt hole to fasten the ring gear to the gear box case.