Integrated Spline Toothing for Ring Gear Housing Fixing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gearbox arrangements face challenges in securely fixing the ring gear within the gearbox housing, particularly in wind power gearboxes, where a robust and simple non-rotational connection is required.

Innovation Solution

The proposed gearbox arrangement incorporates a mating toothing that connects the ring gear and the housing part in a non-rotational manner, with both components forming integrally one of the toothings of the mating toothing, ensuring a secure and load-bearing connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an insert ring is used to connect the ring gear to the housing, then the non-rotational connection is achieved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenon-rotational connection reliabilityVSAvoidconnection structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the insert ring concept into an integrated spline toothing structure where the toothing is directly formed on the ring gear itself, eliminating the need for a separate insert ring component while maintaining the non-rotational connection function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The ring gear is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides gear engagement with planetary gears through its working toothing and simultaneously provides non-rotational connection to the housing through the integrated mating toothing, eliminating the need for separate connection components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a separate insert ring is used for connection, then the non-rotational fixing is achieved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvering gear fixing reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The mating toothing is integrated directly into the ring gear body as a single component, eliminating the need to manufacture and assemble a separate insert ring, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process while ensuring reliable fixing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Strength

If a robust non-rotational connection is implemented using traditional methods, then the connection strength is sufficient, but the structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection load-bearing capacityVSAvoidconnection structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spline toothing structure integrates the connection function directly into the ring gear, providing robust load-bearing capacity through the engaged toothing profiles without requiring additional complex connection mechanisms or components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20250043858A1Spline toothing between ring gear and housing part

Publication Date: 2025.02.06 ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG

AI summary

A gearbox arrangement, including a ring gear, a housing part, and a mating toothing. The mating toothing connects the ring gear and the housing part to each other in a non-rotational manner. The ring gear and the housing part each form a toothing of the mating toothing in one piece.