Split-Ring Sun Gear Structure for Uniform Turbine Reducer Loading
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current mechanical reducers in turbomachinery, particularly in aircraft turbofan engines, face issues with uneven loading and stress distribution on the sun gear teeth due to imbalances in force transmission, leading to manufacturing defects and flexibility challenges at the input shaft or interface.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a solar element with an annular shape that includes two independent rings and an annular web connecting them, providing flexibility in both radial and axial directions through elastic deformation, allowing the rings to move relative to each other and absorb stresses during torque transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If flexibility is provided at the input shaft or interface between input shaft and solar panel using bellows or flexible joints, then the shaft gains elastic deformation capabilities, but the force transmission becomes imbalanced and solar element teeth are unevenly loaded
Solution Approach 1:
The solar element is segmented into two independent rings (first and second rings) connected by a web, allowing each ring to independently absorb stresses while maintaining balanced force distribution across the teeth. This segmentation enables the structure to accommodate deformations without compromising loading uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The web connecting the two rings is designed with specific geometric parameters (thickness, length, cross-sectional area) that give it controlled elastic deformation characteristics. By adjusting these parameters, the solar element achieves optimal flexibility while maintaining homogeneous load distribution on the teeth.
2Strength
If a rigid solar element is used, then the structure is simple and strong, but it cannot absorb stresses and is sensitive to manufacturing defects and external forces
Solution Approach 1:
Dividing the solar element into two rings connected by a web creates a structure that maintains overall strength while introducing flexibility. The web acts as a stress-absorbing element that can elastically deform under external forces, protecting the rigid tooth structures from stress concentrations.
Solution Approach 2:
The solar element combines rigid components (the two rings with teeth) and a flexible component (the web connecting them). This composite structure integrates the strength of rigid elements with the stress-absorption capability of flexible elements, achieving both durability and reliability.
3Ease of manufacture
If the solar element is made as a single rigid piece, then manufacturing is simple, but it lacks flexibility to compensate for external forces and manufacturing defects
Solution Approach 1:
The solar element is divided into two rings connected by a web, which can be manufactured separately and then assembled. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for manufacturing while the final assembly provides the required flexibility to compensate for external forces and manufacturing tolerances.
4Strength
If the web is made thick and rigid, then the solar element is stronger, but it loses its ability to deform elastically and absorb stresses
Solution Approach 1:
The web's geometric parameters (thickness, length, cross-sectional area) are carefully optimized to achieve the right balance between strength and flexibility. The parameters are selected so that the web has sufficient strength to support the solar element while maintaining enough elasticity to deform under stresses and absorb shocks.
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 solution ensures a homogeneous distribution of loads on the sun gear teeth, reducing stress and manufacturing defects while maintaining operational efficiency and simplicity, compatible with various gearbox types and architectures.
Implementation Method 1
an annular web connecting the internal and external parts, this web being located between the internal and external parts and having a shape giving the solar element a capacity for deformation, particularly in bending
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Solar (50) for a mechanical reducer (6) of an aircraft turbomachine (1), this solar (50) having an annular shape around an axis (X) and comprising: - an internal annular part (52) having on its internal periphery coupling splines (53), - an external annular part (54) having on its external periphery at least one meshing tooth (56), this external part (54) extending around the internal part (52), and - an annular web (58) for connecting the internal and external parts (52,54), at least one of the internal and external parts (52, 54) comprising two independent rings (60, 62) each having splines (53) or teeth (56), and the web (58) comprising two annular branches (64, 66) connected respectively to these two rings (60, 62).