Sun Gear Thrust Surfaces for Hydrodynamic Axial Load Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Planetary gear systems face complexity and increased component count due to roller bearings, which can lead to higher costs and assembly complexity, while also generating axial reaction loads that require counteraction.
Innovation Solution
A sun gear with helical toothing and thrust surfaces configured to build a lubrication fluid film, reducing the need for multiple components and complexity by using thrust bearings, which are supported by counter thrust surfaces with specific thrust generating geometries such as wedge, Rayleigh-Step, or Tapered-Land designs to manage axial loads and friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If roller bearings are used to support the sun gear, then the sun gear can be reliably supported, but the number of components and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple bearing functions into a single thrust bearing component. The thrust bearing integrates axial load support and radial load support that would traditionally require separate roller bearings, thereby reducing the number of components while maintaining reliable support for the sun gear
2Stability of the object's composition
If roller bearings are used to support the sun gear, then the sun gear is stable, but the number of parts and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The thrust bearing consolidates multiple support functions into one component, reducing part count and associated manufacturing costs while maintaining sun gear stability through integrated axial and radial load support capabilities
3Device complexity
If thrust bearing is used instead of roller bearing, then the number of components and complexity are reduced, but axial load support capability must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The thrust bearing incorporates specific geometric parameters including an inclined surface with angle α and a lubrication groove configured to generate hydrodynamic pressure. These parameter changes enable the bearing to generate sufficient axial load support capability through fluid film pressure while maintaining reduced complexity
4Object-generated harmful factors
If thrust bearing with lubrication fluid film is used, then friction is reduced, but the bearing geometry must be precisely controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing design specifies precise geometric parameters including inclined surface angle α, lubrication groove dimensions, and surface finish requirements. These controlled parameters ensure proper lubrication fluid film formation that reduces friction while maintaining manufacturability through defined tolerances
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 solution provides a stable and low-friction support for the sun gear within the planetary gear system, reducing the number of components and complexity, thereby simplifying assembly and reducing costs, while effectively counteracting axial loads through a lubrication fluid film without external control.
Implementation Method 1
the first and the second thrust surface have a thrust generating geometry that is configured to build up a lubrication fluid film between the first thrust surface and the first counter thrust surface and between the second thrust surface and the second counter thrust surface during rotation of the sun gear
Implementation Method 2
the thrust generating geometry that is configured to build up a lubrication fluid film
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for a sun gear, counter bearing parts, and bearing arrangements. The gear comprising a helical toothing and a first and a second thrust surface which are configured to axially support the sun gear at a first and a second counter thrust surface, respectively, wherein the first and the second thrust surface have a thrust generating geometry that is configured to build up a lubrication fluid film between the first thrust surface and the first counter thrust surface and between the second thrust surface and the second counter thrust surface during rotation of the sun gear. The counter bearing part for axially supporting a sun gear, and to a bearing arrangement for axially supporting a sun gear.