Ring Gear Flexure Assembly for Diameter-Saving Transmission Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ring gear designs for planetary gear systems in aircraft transmission systems require larger diameters due to cantilevered connections, leading to space constraints and increased weight, which limits the size and power output of the transmission system.
Innovation Solution
A ring gear assembly with flanges arranged on either side of the gear teeth, featuring bolt holes perpendicular to the ring gear axis, allowing the ring gear to flex and reducing the overall diameter by creating a gap between the ring gear and the gear box case, thereby enabling more compact and efficient power transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a cantilevered connection is used to connect the ring gear to the gear box case, then the ring gear can be securely fastened, but the overall diameter of the transmission system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the connection orientation from radial (increasing diameter) to axial (perpendicular to ring gear axis). The bolts extend through the ring gear in a direction perpendicular to the ring gear axis, utilizing the axial dimension instead of the radial dimension to achieve secure fastening without increasing the overall diameter of the transmission system.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of extending the connection outward radially from the ring gear teeth (conventional approach), the patent inverts the connection approach by having bolts extend through the ring gear body in the axial direction. This reversal of the connection geometry allows secure fastening while maintaining a compact radial profile.
2Length of moving object
If the ring gear diameter is reduced to save space, then space constraints are relieved, but the ring gear may not flex properly during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates flexible sections in the ring gear that allow controlled flexing during operation. These flexible sections are positioned to accommodate the reduced diameter while maintaining the necessary adaptability for proper operation. The dynamic flexibility is preserved through strategic placement of flexible zones that allow the ring gear to adjust during power transmission.
3Ease of manufacture
If bolts extend in the same direction as the ring gear teeth (radially), then the connection is simple to manufacture, but the transmission system occupies more space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the bolt orientation from the radial dimension (parallel to ring gear teeth) to the axial dimension (perpendicular to ring gear axis). This dimensional change allows the bolts to secure the ring gear to the gear box case without extending the radial footprint, thereby reducing the transmission system's overall diameter while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.
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.