Research
In our endeavour to further expand our technology leadership, we carry out research projects on a regular basis, either on our own initiative or in cooperation with industrial companies and universities in Switzerland and abroad.
Examples of completed research projects:
Flexpin
The Flexpin is a flexible support structure for planet gears. It ensures a uniform load distribution over the tooth width as well as between the individual planet wheels in a planetary gearbox, at partial load and at full load.
The aim of this research was to study the real characteristics of a flexpin for use in turbo planetary gearboxes. For this we carried out the following investigations:
- Verification of the position of planetary gear axis under different loads
- Determination of the flexibility with various axial positions of the load application point
- Determination of the overload limit
The Flexpin was built on a test bench on a scale of 1:1 and the load was applied by means of a tension test machine.
The planning and performance of the measurements was carried out in collaboration with the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) in Winterthur.
Efficiency-optimized planetary gearbox
Conventional oil-bath lubrication is simple and cost-effective, however it reduces the gearbox efficiency due to high churning losses. With this research project on an electric vehicle planetary gear we aim at the following goals:
- Maximizing the gearbox efficiency with minimal material expenditure
- Maximize the contact between oil and casing for optimal cooling effect
For this purpose, we develop novel devices to dose and guide the oil flows during operation.
The effects of the measures shall be assessed not only metrologically, but also visually. For this purpose, the planetary gear is equipped with interior lighting and a front cover made of acrylic glass.
This research project is currently in progress.