Sun Gear Web Structure for Homogeneous Tooth Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mechanical reduction gears in turbomachines face challenges in evenly distributing forces and manufacturing defects, leading to inhomogeneous loading of teeth and increased stress on the solar component, which is not adequately addressed by existing flexibility solutions at the input shaft or interfaces.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an annular connecting web between coaxial external and internal rings on the solar component, providing flexibility in both radial and axial directions through elastic deformation, which balances loads on the solar teeth by allowing the rings to move relative to each other and absorb rotational torque forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If flexibility is provided at the input shaft or interface between input shaft and sun gear, then the shaft can elastically deform to absorb forces, but this results in inhomogeneous loading of the sun gear teeth and increased stress on the sun gear
Solution Approach 1:
The sun gear body is segmented into two coaxial rings (inner ring and outer ring) connected by an annular connecting web. This segmentation allows independent deformation of each ring while maintaining overall structural integrity, enabling homogeneous load distribution across the sun gear teeth while preserving necessary flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The annular connecting web is designed with variable thickness and extended connecting walls that allow dynamic elastic deformation during operation. The web's geometry is optimized to provide different stiffness characteristics in radial and axial directions, enabling the structure to adaptively absorb forces while maintaining homogeneous tooth loading.
2Strength
If the sun gear body is made rigid to maintain structural integrity, then strength is improved, but the ability to absorb external forces and manufacturing defects is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The annular connecting web acts as a flexible element connecting the inner and outer rings. Its thin-walled structure with optimized geometry provides the necessary flexibility to absorb external forces and manufacturing defects through elastic deformation, while the overall sun gear structure maintains sufficient rigidity for structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sun gear employs a composite structure combining rigid ring elements with a flexible connecting web. This composite design integrates materials or structures with different mechanical properties - the rings provide strength and stiffness, while the web provides flexibility and shock absorption capability.
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 effectively balances the loads on the solar teeth, minimizing stress and ensuring a homogeneous distribution of forces, making it compatible with various gearbox architectures and tooth types, while maintaining structural integrity and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the web provides flexibility in the radial and axial directions to the solar, that is to say that the rings are able to move radially relative to each other and therefore to be offset. This movement is made possible by an elastic deformation of the web which thus absorbs forces during the transmission of a rotational torque.
Data Source
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AI summary
Solar (20) for a mechanical reducer (6) of an aircraft turbomachine (1), this solar (20) comprising an annular body (22) having at its inner periphery coupling splines (24) and at its outer periphery at least one meshing tooth (26), the body (22) comprising two coaxial rings, the outer ring (28) having an inner surface (32) which surrounds an outer surface (34) of the inner ring (30) and which is located at a radial distance (D1) from this outer surface (34), the body (22) further comprising an annular veil (36) located between the inner and outer surfaces (32, 34) and formed in one piece with the rings (28, 30).