Epicyclic Gear Train

Typical epicyclic gear train
Epicyclic gear train

Epicyclic gear trains are powerful when used correctly, but are often misunderstood. Illustrated below is a typical epicyclic gear train. Notice how the planet gears roll on and revolve about the sun gear. The ring gear rolls on the planet gears. Such a gear configuration has useful applications, but the overall gear ratio is quite difficult to intuitively calculate. We have to select "Epicyclic Ratio Calc'n" to learn about an effective yet simple method for calculating the overall gear ratio.
Gear ratio
The gear ratio in an epicyclic gearing system is somewhat nonintuitive, particularly because there are several ways in which an input rotation can be converted into an output rotation. The three basic components of the epicyclic gear are: Sun: The central gear Planet carrier: Holds one or more peripheral planet gears, of the same size, meshed with the sun gear Annulus : An outer ring with inward-facing teeth that mesh with the planet gear or gears In many epicyclic gearing systems, one of these three basic components is held stationary; one of the two remaining components is an input, providing power to the system, while the last component is an output, receiving power from the system
The carrier (green) is held stationary while the sun gear (yellow) is used as input. The planet gears (blue) turn in a ratio determined by the number of teeth in each gear. Here, the ratio is 24/16, or -3/2; each planet gear turns at 3/2 the rate of the sun gear, in the opposite direction. So, with the planetary carrier locked, one turn of the sun gear results in S / A turns of the annulus. The annulus may also be held fixed, with input provided to the planetary gear carrier; output rotation is then produced from the sun gear. This configuration will produce an increase in gear ratio, equal to 1+A/S. These are all described by the equation: (2 + n) a + n s 2(1 + n) c = 0 where n is the form factor of the planetary gear, defined by:
Epi-cyclic gear Train Variations

The figure shows the range of possible epicylclic gear arrangements.. Those in section I & III are classed as simple arrangements because the planet gears mesh with both sun gears. Those in sections II & IV are classed as complex trains because the planet gears partially match with each other and partially mesh with the sun gears.
Calculating the output from the input

Now, put in the known values and solve for wring: is first drawn simplified as the sun, a single planet, the annulus, and an arm holding the planet. Any gear can be the input or output, including the arm.
or you can use the other form of this equation:
where N is the number of teeth, w is anguler velocity of the element (sun, arm, or ring). Since the angular velocity and rpm are directly proportional, you can use rpm instead.
Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages of planetary gears over parallel axis gears include high power density, large reduction in a small volume, multiple kinematic combinations, pure torsional reactions, and coaxial shafting. Disadvantages include high bearing loads, inaccessibility, and design complexity. The planetary gearbox arrangement is an engineering design that offers many advantages over traditional gearbox arrangements. One advantage is its unique combination of both compactness and outstanding power transmission efficiencies. A typical efficiency loss in a planetary gearbox arrangement is only 3% per stage. This type of efficiency ensures that a high proportion of the energy being input into the gearbox is multiplied and transmitted into torque, rather than being wasted on mechanical losses inside the gearbox.
Advantages and disadvantages Another advantage of the planetary gearbox arrangement is load distribution. Because the load being transmitted is shared between multiple planets, torque capability is greatly increased. The more planets in the system, the greater load ability and the higher the torque density. The planetary gearbox arrangement also creates greater stability (it's a balanced system) and increased rotational stiffness.
References
1. Kinematics and Dynamics of Machinery, 2nd ed., 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Charles E. Wilson and J. Peter Sadler, Harper Collins College Publishers. Mechanisms and Dynamics of Machinery, Fourth Edition, H.H. Mabie, C.F. Reinboltz, Wiley & Sons, Inc. Design of Machinery, Robert L. Norton, McGraw Hill, Third Edition, 2004. Lynwander, P., 1983, Gear Drive Systems: Design and Application. Marcel Dekker, New York Smith, J. D., 1983, Gears and Their Vibration: A Basic Approach to Understanding Gear Noise. Marcel Dekker, New York and MacMillan, London Theory of Machines : RS Khurme; JK Gupta

Epicyclic Gear Train

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Typical epicyclic gear train

Epicyclic gear train

Epi-cyclic gear Train Variations

Calculating the output from the input

or you can use the other form of this equation:

Advantages and disadvantages

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