Toothed Wheel Groove Geometry for Axial Oil Ejection Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In turbomachines, it is challenging to control the position and axial dimension of oil discharge from satellite gears, leading to inefficient lubrication and increased oil volume requirements, which affects the design and mass of lubrication systems.
Innovation Solution
A toothed wheel design with an annular groove featuring a projecting portion that generates a geometric discontinuity, allowing controlled oil ejection radially outward under centrifugal forces, preventing unwanted lubrication of non-needing elements and optimizing oil collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If satellite gears use chevron gearing with annular grooves for oil collection, then lubrication is provided to the toothed areas, but the axial position and dimension of oil discharge cannot be controlled, causing hot oil to wet surrounding surfaces and increase oil volume requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The groove is designed with non-uniform cross-section where the width varies axially, creating a specific discharge zone. This local variation in geometry controls where oil is ejected, ensuring lubrication is targeted precisely where needed while preventing excessive oil from wetting surrounding surfaces that do not require lubrication.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention controls oil discharge by manipulating the groove geometry in the axial dimension rather than relying on radial dimensions alone. By varying the groove width along the axial direction and positioning the narrowest section at a specific axial location, the discharge position is precisely controlled in the axial dimension, preventing hot oil from reaching undesired elements.
2Ease of manufacture
If the groove cross-section is uniform, then manufacturing is simpler, but oil discharge position cannot be controlled axially, reducing lubrication efficiency and increasing oil volume
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than making the entire groove complex, only the cross-sectional width varies axially while maintaining relative simplicity in other aspects. This localized geometric variation provides axial discharge control without requiring complex multi-dimensional shaping, balancing manufacturability with functional performance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If hot oil is ejected without axial position control, then oil can lubricate surrounding areas, but this increases the volume of oil required and affects lubrication system design
Solution Approach 1:
The groove is segmented into different axial zones with varying widths: a wider section for oil collection and a narrower discharge section. This segmentation separates the oil gathering function from the discharge function, allowing controlled ejection at a specific axial position rather than uncontrolled discharge over the entire groove length.
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 effectively controls the axial position of oil ejection, reducing the volume of oil needed and optimizing the size and mass of lubrication systems, ensuring efficient lubrication and reduced oil usage.
Implementation Method 1
The oil is evacuated from the groove 20 by centrifugation
Data Source
AI summary
A toothed wheel extending along an axis and comprising at least two annular toothed areas and an annular groove located axially between said toothed areas, intended for collecting lubricating oil from said toothed areas, characterized in that said groove is delimited by an axially extending bottom surface and radially extending lateral surfaces, characterized in that the groove has at least one projecting portion extending radially outwards from the bottom surface of the groove.