A new family of high-efficiency, high-ratio reduction gears is described in which a counter-rotating epicyclic gear distributes power equally between two, three or four parallel drive paths. The mechanisms employ zero stiffness torque-balancing within and external to the epicyclic unit and work within a spectrum of operation bounded by designs having a fixed annulus or a fixed planet carrier.
A theory is developed to investigate the principal design problems associated with reduction ratios, bearing speed, centrifugal loading, bearing life and epicyclic efficiency. A primary application is to high-output torque transmission systems such as those used in helicopters.
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