The Timken Company

Douglas Lucas

Gerald P Fox

A flexpin assembly (B) for an epicyclic gear system (A) includes a flexpin () that at one end is cantilevered from a carrier end wall () and a sleeve () that surrounds the flexpin and is cantilevered from the flexpin at the other end of the flexpin. In addition, the assembly has an antifriction bearing () for supporting a planet pinion () around the sleeve. The flexpin has a base () that is configured to be anchored to a carrier wall, a head () to which the sleeve is attached, and a shank () located between the base and head. The sleeve has a mounting segment () that is connected to the head of the flexpin without a weld. Both may have tapered surfaces secured in contact by a plate () clamped against the mounting portion with screws () that thread into the head, thus enabling the sleeve to be detached from the pin. The head may have a cylindrical surface () over which the mounting segment of the sleeve fits with an interference fit exists. The bearing may have rolling elements () that surround raceways () on the sleeve and a rib ring () that confines the rolling elements axially, but can be detached. The flexpin assembly is easily disassembled to facilitate servicing of the gear system.

Growing community of inventors

Uniontown, OH, United States of America

Douglas Lucas