Satellite Wheel Assembly With Nested Bearing to Prevent Tooth Cracks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Epicyclic gear trains in rotorcrafts face wear and tear issues at the interface between the satellite wheel toothing and bearing, leading to potential cracks and increased mass and complexity in conventional solutions to mitigate these issues.
Innovation Solution
A satellite assembly with a planet carrier and satellite wheel design where the satellite wheel's toothing surrounds the crankpin, and a foot penetrates into the crankpin, with a satellite bearing interposed between the foot and crankpin, minimizing wear at the toothing interface and reducing the risk of crack formation, using a ball joint bearing for additional freedom of movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the thickness of the toothing is maximized to avoid crack and tooth opening, then the reliability is improved, but the weight and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a hollow crankpin as an intermediary structural element between the satellite bearing and the toothing. The hollow crankpin allows the satellite bearing to be positioned within it, creating a protective enclosure that shields the toothing interface from wear and mechanical stress without requiring increased toothing thickness, thereby maintaining reliability while avoiding additional weight
2Reliability
If conventional solutions are used to mitigate wear at the toothing interface, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the crankpin and satellite bearing into an integrated assembly where the satellite bearing is positioned within the hollow crankpin. This merging eliminates the need for separate protective structures and complex mounting mechanisms, reducing device complexity while maintaining the protective function against wear at the toothing interface
3Ease of manufacture
If the satellite bearing is positioned outside the crankpin, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but wear at the toothing interface increases leading to crack formation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nesting principle by placing the satellite bearing inside the hollow crankpin, creating a nested configuration where one component is housed within another. This nesting provides protective enclosure for the toothing interface while maintaining a compact, integrated structure that is straightforward to manufacture as a single assembly
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 minimizes the risk of toothed toothing opening, reduces mass and complexity, and allows for optimized sizing and manufacturing of the satellite assembly, while providing 360-degree rotational freedom and reduced mechanical stress.
Implementation Method 1
said planet bearing comprising at least one row of rolling elements
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present invention relates to a satellite assembly (1) comprising a satellite carrier (2) having at least one crankpin (4) carrying a satellite wheel (10), said satellite wheel (10) comprising teeth (11) having teeth (13), the teeth (11) being located around the crankpin (4) and outside the crankpin (4). A satellite bearing (30) is arranged at least partially in the crankpin (4), said satellite wheel (10) comprising a foot (15) which extends along an elevational axis (AX) at least partially within the crankpin (4), said satellite wheel (10) comprising a rim (20) connecting outside the crankpin (4) the foot (15) and the teeth (11), said satellite bearing (30) extending radially from the foot (15) to the inner face (6) of the crankpin (4).