Wind Turbine Planetary Gear Train Assembly via Segmented Carrier
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing planetary gear trains are difficult to assemble and maintain, particularly for large systems, due to complex configurations and the need for specialized tools for handling and securing components.
Innovation Solution
A planetary gear train design featuring a sun gear, annular gear, and planetary carrier with integrated bearing accommodating sections and caps, utilizing radial and axial sliding bearings, and a compact bearing cap structure that allows for easy assembly and maintenance by enabling secure mounting and removal of planetary gear axles and gears with reduced components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional planetary gear train assembly methods are used, then the gear train can be assembled, but the assembly and maintenance process is complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The planetary carrier is divided into two separable halves (first and second halves) that can be assembled around the planetary gear axles and gears, allowing the entire planetary gear assembly to be pre-assembled as a module and then installed as a unit into the gear train housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The planetary gear axles with mounted planetary gears are extracted as separate, pre-assembled units that can be independently manufactured and then installed into the planetary carrier halves, simplifying the overall assembly process.
2Ease of operation
If traditional planetary gear train assembly methods are used, then the gear train can be assembled, but specialized lifting tools such as cranes are required
Solution Approach 1:
The planetary gear train is segmented into modular components (planetary gear axles with gears, planetary carrier halves) that can be handled individually with standard tools rather than requiring specialized lifting equipment for the entire assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The planetary gear axles are designed to be inserted radially into the planetary carrier halves, changing the assembly dimension from vertical lifting to horizontal insertion, thereby eliminating the need for crane equipment.
3Reliability
If multiple bearing caps are used to secure planetary gear axles, then the axles are securely mounted, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second bearing caps are merged into a single integrated bearing cap structure that simultaneously secures both planetary gear axles, reducing the total component count while maintaining secure mounting of all gears.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing cap is designed as a multi-functional component that performs multiple securing functions simultaneously, holding both planetary gear axles in place and providing structural support for the entire planetary gear assembly.
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
Facilitates easier handling and maintenance of planetary gear trains by allowing secure and rapid assembly/disassembly with fewer components, improved stability, and efficient force absorption, enhancing the overall assembly and maintenance process.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of radial sliding bearings for supporting the planetary gear axles in the planetary carrier
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a planetary gear train (1) for a wind turbine, comprising: a sun gear; an annular gear (13); a planet carrier (9) with multiple bearing seats (12); multiple planetary gear axles (8); multiple radial sliding bearings (23) for mounting the planet gear axles (8) in the planet carrier (9); multiple planet gears (5) which are each mounted in the planet carrier (9) by means of the planet gear axles (8). The planet carrier (9) has a parting plane (17) in the region of each of the bearing seats (12), wherein a first half shell (18) of one of the bearing seats (12) is formed by the planet carrier (9) and a second half shell (19) of one of the bearing seats (12) is formed in each case by a bearing cap (20).