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US 2022/0389967 A1Published application
Lubrication system
AssigneeTextron Innovations Inc.
InventorsTyler Wayne Baldwin, Kyle Thomas Cravener, Tyson Henry
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Embodiments are directed to solid lubricant assemblies for providing over temperature protection for bearings and gears in rotorcraft systems. A solid lubricant enters a fluid state above a certain temperature and is positioned so that fluid lubricant is applied to the bearings or gears.
Claims18
An apparatus, comprising:
- a solid lubricant material having a melting point temperature at which it enters a fluid lubricant state;
- a gearbox housing;
- a first bevel gear configured to rotate with a first shaft;
- a second bevel gear configured to rotate with a second shaft, the second bevel gear positioned to engage with the first bevel gear;
- and
- the solid lubricant material positioned within the first shaft.
- wherein the first bevel gear is physically coupled to the solid lubricant material in a manner that allows the transfer of heat energy to the solid lubricant material, and
- wherein the solid lubricant material is configured to disperse fluid lubricant to the first bevel gear when motion of the first bevel gear generates sufficient heat energy to raise a temperature of the solid lubricant material above the melting point temperature.
5 more elements
A bearing assembly, comprising:
- a bearing coupled to a spindle assembly;
- a bearing race surrounding the bearing;
- a solid lubricant material having a melting point temperature at which it enters a fluid lubricant state, wherein the solid lubricant material is in direct physical contact with the bearing race in a manner that allows the transfer of heat energy from the bearing race to the solid lubricant material, and
- wherein the solid lubricant material is configured to disperse fluid lubricant to the bearing race and the bearing when the bearing race generates sufficient heat energy to raise a temperature of the solid lubricant material above the melting point temperature.
1 more element
A rotorcraft, comprising:
- a body;
- a power train coupled to the body and comprising a power source and a drive shaft coupled to the power source;
- a hub;
- a rotor blade coupled to the hub;
- a swashplate positioned about the drive shaft;
- a pitch link coupled between the swashplate and the hub corresponding to the rotor blade;
- and
- a bearing assembly coupled to the rotor blade, the bearing assembly comprising:
- a bearing positioned within a bearing race;
- and
- a solid lubricant abutting the bearing race, the solid lubricant comprising a material that is configured to enter a fluid state above a certain temperature, and wherein the solid lubricant is located at a position to allow lubricant material to seep between the bearing and the bearing race when the lubricant material is in a fluid state.
8 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.