Worm Wheel Vane Lubrication for Pump-Free Gear Mesh Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Worm gear assemblies in high lift actuators require complex lubrication systems that add weight and failure points to aircraft, reducing efficiency and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A passive lubrication system using a worm wheel with vanes that collect lubricant from a pool and distribute it to the gear mesh during operation, eliminating the need for injectors and pumps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If active lubrication systems with pumps and injectors are used, then lubrication effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The worm wheel serves dual functions: transmitting motion and actively collecting/distributing lubricant through its integrated vanes. The system self-lubricates by utilizing the rotational motion already present in the gear assembly to scoop lubricant from the reservoir and deliver it to the gear mesh interface, eliminating the need for separate pumps and injectors
Solution Approach 2:
The lubrication delivery function is merged with the worm wheel structure itself by integrating vanes directly into the wheel. This combines the motion transmission component with the lubricant distribution mechanism into a single integrated part, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining effective lubrication
2Reliability
If active lubrication systems with pumps are used, then lubrication is maintained, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the existing rotational kinetic energy of the worm wheel to perform lubricant delivery without requiring additional powered components. The vanes on the worm wheel automatically scoop and throw lubricant onto the gear mesh during normal operation, making the lubrication system weightless relative to the driven structure
Solution Approach 2:
The heavy pump and injector components are completely extracted from the system. Only the essential lubricant reservoir and the integrated vanes on the worm wheel remain, dramatically reducing the weight of the lubrication system while maintaining its functional effectiveness
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
Reduces weight and failure points, improving fuel efficiency and reliability by maintaining consistent lubrication without additional components.
Implementation Method 1
The vane is to move lubricant from a bottom of the housing to the worm gear to lubricate an interface between the worm gear and the worm wheel
Implementation Method 2
These worm gears typically require lubricants to reduce wear on the parts
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus to passively lubricate a worm gear assembly are disclosed herein. An example worm gear assembly includes a housing defining an internal cavity, a worm gear in the internal cavity of the housing, and a worm wheel in the internal cavity of the housing. The worm wheel is meshed with the worm gear. The worm wheel includes a first side surface, a second side surface opposite the first side surface, a peripheral edge with a plurality of teeth between the first side surface and the second side surface, and a vane on the first side surface. The vane extends radially between a center of the first side surface and the peripheral edge. The vane is to move lubricant from a bottom of the housing to the worm gear to lubricate an interface between the worm gear and the worm wheel.