Roller-Planet Gear Wheel Drive for High-Torque Tractor Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tractors with drive arms for wellbores and pipelines face challenges in small diameter channels where torque requirements are high, leading to premature failures due to the inability of conventional bearings to fit and withstand the forces.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a roller-planetary gear system directly into the wheel of the tractor, which provides the required torque capacity and bearing support, reducing the torque load on upstream drive components and mitigating the risk of fatigue failure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional bearings are used in small diameter channels, then the device complexity is reduced, but the torque capacity and reliability deteriorate due to inability to fit and withstand forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the bearing function and gear function into a single integrated component. The planet gears serve dual purposes: transmitting torque and providing bearing support against the channel wall. This merging eliminates the need for separate conventional bearings while maintaining reliability under high torque conditions in small diameter channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The planet gears are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: torque transmission through gear engagement and radial load support through contact with the channel wall. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve both compactness and high torque capacity without requiring additional specialized components.
2Reliability
If larger bearings are used to withstand high torque forces, then the torque capacity improves, but the device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding larger bearings, the patent merges the bearing function into the existing planet gear structure. The planet gears directly contact the channel wall to provide radial support, eliminating the need for separate bearing components and keeping the device compact while handling high torque forces.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional drive components are used, then the ease of manufacture is maintained, but the service life deteriorates due to fatigue failure from high torque loads
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated gear-bearing system reduces the number of separate components that would otherwise require assembly, potentially simplifying manufacturing. The planet gears are designed as load-bearing elements from the outset, optimizing their structural integrity for high torque applications and extending service life through proper load distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The planet gears are pre-positioned and pre-loaded against the channel wall to establish optimal contact conditions before operation begins. This preliminary positioning ensures proper load distribution and minimizes stress concentrations that could lead to fatigue failure during operation.
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
The gear system enhances the efficiency and service life of the drive arm by reducing the contact force on the planet gears, thereby minimizing the risk of premature failure and ensuring reliable operation in constrained spaces.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of planet gears operable to rotate to provide tractive force to the wheel
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of rollers operable to abut against an inner ring of the wheel to reduce a contact force from the wheel contacting a channel on the plurality of planet gears
Data Source
AI summary
A gear system is provided for a wheel of a tractor. The gear system includes a plurality of planet gears and a plurality of rollers. The planet gears are operable to rotate to provide tractive force to the wheel. The rollers are operable to abut against an inner ring of the wheel to reduce a contact force from the wheel contacting a channel on the plurality of planet gears.