Windage Cover Structure for Ring Gear Fastener Shear Loss Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The interaction of lubrication fluid with the rotation of fasteners in a ring gear assembly due to centrifugal forces leads to shear losses and interference with the rotation of the output shaft, particularly in high-speed environments.
Innovation Solution
A windage cover is implemented that covers the fasteners coupling the ring gear assembly to the output shaft, utilizing a boltless design with an 'L' shaped configuration and a clip retention member to maintain position, reducing shear losses by minimizing contact with rotating parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If fasteners are used to couple the ring gear assembly to the output shaft, then the structural connection is achieved, but shear losses increase due to fluid interaction with rotating fasteners
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful fasteners from the rotating assembly by using a boltless design where the ring gear assembly is coupled to the output shaft without traditional fasteners. This eliminates the surfaces that would otherwise interact with lubrication fluid and generate shear losses during rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary coupling mechanism between the ring gear assembly and output shaft that eliminates the need for exposed fasteners. This intermediary design allows structural connection while preventing fluid interaction with rotating components.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional bolted flange design is used, then ease of manufacture is maintained, but windage losses increase due to exposed fasteners
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes traditional bolted flange design with exposed fasteners and replaces it with a boltless coupling mechanism. This extraction of harmful elements eliminates windage losses while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through integrated coupling features.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the coupling function with the ring gear assembly structure itself, eliminating the need for separate exposed fasteners. The coupling features are integrated into the design, reducing windage losses while maintaining ease of manufacture.
3Strength
If fasteners are exposed during rotation, then structural coupling is achieved, but fluid interaction increases causing interference with output shaft rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts exposed fasteners from the rotating assembly entirely, using a boltless design where the coupling mechanism does not involve exposed fastening elements. This eliminates the surfaces that would interact with lubrication fluid during rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary coupling mechanism that provides structural connection without exposed fasteners. This intermediary design prevents direct fluid interaction with the coupling elements during rotation.
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 windage cover effectively reduces shear losses and fluid interaction with fasteners, enhancing the stability and efficiency of the ring gear assembly operation.
Implementation Method 1
The interaction of lubrication fluid with the rotation of fasteners in a ring gear assembly due to centrifugal forces leads to shear losses and interference with the rotation of the output shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A windage cover for a plurality of fasteners coupling a ring gear assembly to an output shaft. The windage cover includes a clip retention member abutting an integral cover shell of the output shaft, and a foot portion configured to be inserted into a pilot groove between an integral lip and an arm portion of the output shaft. The windage cover also includes a wall portion connected to the foot portion, the wall portion being retained at one end of the wall portion by the clip retention member. The windage cover is configured to cover the plurality of fasteners.