What is Planetary Gear?

Planetary gears are at the heart of modern engineering and are used in basic plant machinery to electric
vehicles. These are also known as epicyclic gears, consist of two gears so that the center of one gear
rotates around the center of the other.

A carrier is placed to connect the centers of the two gears and rotates planet and sun gear mesh so that
their pitch circles roll without slipping. A point on the pitch circle of the planetary gear outlines an
epicycloid curve. In this case, the sun gear is fixed and the planet gears rotate around the sun gear.

In the early 1900s, the first transmission that used planetary gears was done by the Wilson-Pilcher
automobile manufactured in the UK. Nowadays, most engineers use planetary gears in applications that
require properties such as high torque density, operational efficiency, and durability.

Parts of Planetary Gear Set

Following are the main parts of a planetary gear set:

Sun gear (central gear)

Multiple planet gears

Ring gear (outer gear)

Planet carrier

1 Sun Gear (Central Gear)

In a planetary gearbox, the sun gear drives the surrounding planetary gears which are fixed to a carrier
in order to avoid slipping during operation. As the sun gear is driven, the planetary gears rotate the ring
gear (also known as outer gear).

#2 Multiple Planet Gears

cUsually, the epicyclic gear has two gears, one planet gear meshes with the sun gear, while the other
meshes with the planetary ring gear. These are used as speed reducers. They are used to slow down
motors and increase torque.

The primary and main function of planetary gears is to transmit torque and to change the speed of
rotation or torque between the input and output shaft.

#3 Ring Gear (Outer Gear)

The load from the sun gear is distributed to several planet gears that are used to drive either the outer
ring, shaft, or spindle. The ring gear rotates in the same direction as the sun gear, thus providing a
reverse direction.

#4 Planet Carrier
The planet carrier holds the planet gear which rotates around itself with a rotation that is the opposite
of the planet carrier. It usually connects the centers of two gears and provides support for them to roll
without slipping.

Read Also: What is a knuckle joint and how does it work? [PDF]

Construction of Planetary Gear

A planetary gear train is a very general term as the concept is very adaptable, basically, it involves. Three
gears, a sun gear, a planet gear, and a ring gear, and many gear ratios can be obtained from a small
volume as compared to other types of gear trains take up more space.

Unlike simple gear trains, a planetary gear train requires defining more than one input to obtaina
specific output. Many outputs can be obtained by fixing a gear, that is making it stationary, giving input
to another gear, and taking the output from the third gear.

The sun gear is appropriately found in the center of the assembly. It meshes with the teeth of the
planetary pinion gears, planetary pinion gears are small gears fitted into a framework called planetary
carrier.

This is made up of cast iron, aluminum, or steel and is designed with a shaft for each of the planetary
pinion gears, the planetary pinions surrounded the sun gear’s center axis and they are surrounded by
the annulus which is the largest part of the simple set.

The sun is the center of the solar system with the planets rotating around it and hence the name
planetary gear set.

Working of Planetary Gear

Each member of a planetary gear set can revolve or be held at rest, power transfer through a planetary
gear set is only possible. As one of the members is held at rest, the two of the members are locked
together.

When no member is held or locked, neutral conditions exist. Any one of the three members can be used
as the driving or input member at the same time another member might be kept from rotating ad thus
becomes the stationary member the third member become the output member.

Depending on which member is the driver, which is held, and which is driven, either a torque increase or
a speed increase is produced by the planetary gear set. In addition, the output direction can also be
reversed through various combinations.In the combinations, both the ring gear and the sun gear are
input members, they turn clockwise at the same speed, the internal teeth of the clockwise turning ring
gear try to rotate the planetary pinions clockwise as well but the sun gear, which rotates clockwise tries
to drive planetary pinions counter clockwise, these opposing forces lock the planetary pinions against
rotation.

So the entire planetary gear set rotates as one complete unit providing direct drive.
Read Also: Different Types of Transmission System and Their Uses

Planetary Gear Train Ratio

An epicyclic single-stage train consists of an internally toothed annular (ring) with a band brake
encircling it. At the center of this gear is the sun gear S, which is part of the input shaft. The sun gear and
annular gear are joined by a series of pinion gears P mounted on a carrier C and integral with the output
shaft.For transmission of torque, either the sun gear, carrier, or annular gear should be placed stationary
in position.

The situation is considered when only the annular gear is stationary. When the input sun gear shaft is
driven keeping the annular gear band brake fixed, the planet gears simultaneously rotate around their
axes and revolve around the input sun gear axis along the inner circumference of the annular gear.

Therefore, the carrier and output shafts support the planet-gear axes, also rotate, but at a slower speed
than the input shaft.Let,

TA = number of teeth on annular, internal or ring gear

TS = number of teeth on sun or centre gear

TP = of teeth on planet gear

TC = number of effective teeth on arm or planet carrier

Also, TA = TS + 2TP and TC = TS + TAFirst Gear Ratio

The annular gear is held stationary and the planet carrier is driven by the power supplied to the sun
gear.

Second Gear Ratio

The sun gear is held stationary. The planet carrier is the driven member and the annular gear is the
driving member.

Reverse Gear

Here the planed carrier is held stationary. The annular gear is driven by the sun gear to which the power
is applied.

Advantages of Planetary Gear

It provides a more compact unit operating about a common central axis.

The gear and gear housings are comparatively smaller in overall dimensions.

These gear set is more flexible compared to a normal gear set.

This gear has high gear ratio and more torque.

It is usually compact in size.

Instead of having the load on only one pair of gears, it is distributed over several gear wheels.

Disadvantages of Planetary Gear

The general cost of a planetary gear system will be higher than a conventional gearbox.

The design and manufacture of planetary gears are quite complex and also difficult.

Determining the efficiency of a planetary gear system would be challenging.

The gear system requires the gearing to be precise so it is quite difficult.

Some types of planetary gearing arrangements make more noise during operation.

To ignore any additional gearing, the driving member and the driven member must converge.

Applications of Planetary Gear

These gears are commonly used to improve torque in robots.

In addition, it is also used in printing presses to reduce the speed of the rollers.

It is used in packaging machines for reproducible products in industries.

Furthermore, it is also useful in drives such as wheel drive, track drive, conveyor, slew drive, hoist drive,
and winch drive.

They are also used in pumps, coil tubing injectors and cutter head drives.

Wrapping It Up

Planetary gears are commonly used in various industries. Since the gear is one of the most important
components of the planetary gear mechanism, these gears will affect the entire transmission
system.These gears have many advantages, such as increased torque, less comparable size, less weight,
better efficiency, and many more.

2 Wheel Drive vs 4 Wheel Drive: Quick Guide

If you're in the market for a new vehicle, you have several things to consider before you make a
purchase. Even if you know what kind of car or SUV you want to buy, you have to make decisions such
as whether you need two-wheel or four-wheel drive.
By Hearst Autos Research

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rear view of female friends in off road vehicle on field against clear sky

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If you're in the market for a new vehicle, you have several things to consider before you make a
purchase. Even if you know what kind of car or SUV you want to buy, you have to make decisions such
as whether you need two-wheel or four-wheel drive. This article will discuss the aspects of a 2 wheel
drive vs 4 wheel drive vehicle.

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Different Car Drivetrains

The drivetrain, which sends power to the car's wheels, can make a significant difference in how the
vehicle handles in rain and snow or on unpaved roads. According to Consumer Reports, passenger
vehicles produced for 2012 and onward feature electronic stability control. This feature works with
traction control to improve the car's road-holding functions, regardless of its drivetrain. However, if
you're looking for the best grip, all- and four-wheel drive systems tend to perform better on wet roads.

As Economical notes, two-wheel drive systems come standard on most passenger vehicles. With two-
wheel drive, the engine sends power to two of the car's wheels while allowing the other two wheels to
spin. Because the engine doesn't have to use energy to power all four wheels, and because two-wheel
drive systems weigh less than four-wheel drive, two-wheel drive vehicles are lighter and more fuel-
efficient.

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Pros and Cons of Two-Wheel Drive

Two-wheel drive vehicles come in either front-wheel or rear-wheel configurations. This means that,
depending on the car, the engine sends power to either the front or rear wheels. According to
Autotrader, two-wheel drive vehicles are excellent choices for drivers in Southern California, Texas, and
the Southeast, because these regions have mild weather conditions. In areas such as the Mid-Atlantic,
where you might occasionally see snow, two-wheel drive vehicles are sufficient if that's what you're
comfortable with.

As Be Forward notes, there are pros and cons to driving two-wheel drive vehicles. The pros include the
following:

Two-wheel drive vehicles are less expensive than four-wheel drive models.

Two-wheel drive vehicles use less energy to power the wheels, so they are more fuel-efficient.

Two-wheel drive vehicles are lighter, so they are more agile.

Cons include:

Two-wheel drive vehicles give you less power than four-wheel drive models.

Two-wheel drive vehicles are not suitable for all terrains.

Esurance points out that most two-wheel drive vehicles come in a front-wheel drive configuration.
Except for a few SUVs models, most SUVs are front-wheel drive and feature extra components that can
send power to the rear wheels when necessary. Front-wheel drive systems cost less to make and take
up less space than rear-wheel drive configurations. Because a front-wheel drive configuration places the
engine's weight above the front wheels, it also gives you better traction. Front-wheel drive vehicles
don't have the driveline hump needed to accommodate a rear-wheel drive system, so you have more
room for passengers and cargo.

Rear-Wheel Drive Configurations

Consumer Reports notes that pickup trucks, SUVs on truck bases, sports cars, high-performance cars,
and high-end sedans feature rear-wheel drive systems. With a rear-wheel drive configuration, trucks can
accommodate bulky and robust components. Rear-wheel drive also gives a pickup truck better traction
when towing or hauling heavy loads.

Performance cars come with rear-wheel drive because the system balances the car's weight from the
front end to the rear end, giving the vehicle improved handling. When the driving and steering are split
between the front and rear wheels, it allows for an optimized suspension. However, because rear-wheel
drive vehicles have less traction, most luxury vehicles give you the option of all-wheel drive.
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As Autotrader points out, most drivers can't tell the difference between front-wheel and rear-wheel
drive. However, rear-wheel drive systems are designed for performance, while front-wheel drive
systems are designed more for safety, especially in harsh weather conditions. Front-wheel drive systems
are more common in family vehicles.

Four-Wheel Drive vs. All-Wheel Drive

Four-wheel drive systems, according to Economical, often feature in pickup trucks and other vehicles
used for off-road excursions. However, more manufacturers are adding them to SUVs and crossover
vehicles. In a four-wheel drive vehicle, the engine sends power to all wheels, giving you optimal traction
and control, especially on rough terrain. This traction comes in handy if you're driving uphill, over rocky
terrain, or through the snow.

Four-wheel drive systems are set up to operate in one of three modes, including:

Full-Time: All four wheels are permanently engaged.

Part-Time: The driver can manually switch between two-wheel and four-wheel drive, depending on
driving conditions.

Automatic: The vehicle monitors road conditions and switches automatically from two-wheel to front-
wheel drive as needed.

Vehicles with part-time or automatic four-wheel drive systems tend to be more fuel-efficient because
they use less energy to operate in two-wheel drive mode.

While sales text often uses the terms four-wheel drive and all-wheel drive interchangeably, as Consumer
Reports points out, there are some differences. Four-wheel drive systems are designed for handling
harsh terrain and feature high and low gear ranges for climbing power. Many four-wheel drive vehicles
also have differentials that are locked for optimal traction.
Economical points out that, while four-wheel drive vehicles can tackle rocky terrain, steep hills, and
deep water, all-wheel drive vehicles are better for driving on slippery winter streets, through mud, and
on loose surfaces such as sand. An all-wheel drive system allows all four of your vehicle's wheels to
provide traction. This means that if two wheels are stuck in mud or snow, the other two wheels can still
function to pull the car out. All-wheel drive systems run at all times and are controlled by a computer
system that determines which wheels need more power.

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Depending on the system's design, all-wheel drive systems can give a vehicle maximum traction when
accelerating. Most systems are designed to provide primary power to the front or rear wheels. The
system can redistribute power when it senses slippage. With an all-wheel drive like that found in Subaru
models, 20 percent of the engine's power is distributed to the rear wheels at all times. Other systems
send 100 percent of the power to the front wheels, only powering the rear wheels when there is
slippage.

Pros and Cons of Four-Wheel Drive Systems

As with two-wheel drive vehicles, there are advantages and disadvantages to four-wheel drive vehicles.
The advantages include:

Four-wheel drive vehicles are suitable for off-road driving.

Many four-wheel drive systems allow you to switch to two-wheel drive when you don't need four-wheel
drive power.

The disadvantages are:

Four-wheel drive vehicles are heavier because four-wheel drive systems weigh more.

Four-wheel drive vehicles are more expensive than two-wheel drive.

Four-wheel drive vehicles consume more fuel because four-wheel drive systems use more energy.

In some situations, a good set of tires matters more than the vehicle's drivetrain. For example, snow
tires assist you with stopping and turning on winter roads, something the drivetrain doesn't help you
with.
Consider where you live and the type of driving you do when choosing between two-wheel and four-
wheel d

Can you confidently answer the question “What is a wheel hub”? We use wheel hubs every day, but
usually don’t even think about them or what they do for us. Let’s get a better understanding of what a
wheel hub is!

You’re outside on a beautiful summer day. The sun is shining down on you as you watch your children
enjoying their new pony wagon. The pony cart rolls smoothly along the trail back to the picnic spot you
fixed up in the woods of your property. You follow along pulling a wagon loaded with food while
another child follows on his favorite tricycle.

You arrive at the picnic spot that you worked hard to clear out and clean up. You used your pick-up truck
and trailer to haul out branches and brush and haul in wood chips to cover the ground with. You
couldn’t have finished the job without the help of your trusty wheelbarrow that made transporting the
wood chips so much easier.

You know that the center of the wheel is called the “hub,” but what is a wheel hub exactly?

While there are so many different pieces that make up each of these tools, a small bit that often

goes overlooked is the hub of your wheels. These small pieces are literally what makes the world go
round– if you consider your wheelbarrow a world within itself.

Without even thinking about it, we rely on wheel hubs every day. Whether it’s to safely get us to work in
our car or to efficiently carry supplies in a work wagon, the hubs of our vehicles’ wheels provide us with
strength that we never think about or fully appreciate. Many of us couldn’t even answer the question
“What is a wheel hub?” if someone would ask us. Let’s find out what a wheel hub is and get a good
answer prepared for when someone asks us, so we don’t end up with that confused look on our faces as
we try to explain the few facts we know.

Wheel Hub Functions

What is a Wheel Hub Function

Although it’s a small piece, the hub of a wheel is a crucial component of the whole vehicle. They provide
a smooth wheel rotation while supporting a lot of the weight of the vehicle. Located at the center of the
wheel, the hub is what connects the wheel to the axel or suspension system of the vehicle or cart.
Wheel hubs include wheel bearings that cause the wheel to rotate with as little friction as possible.

The function of a wheel hub depends on the type of vehicle or wagon you’re using. However, no matter
the type of wheel, the hub always provides support to the wheels where it is attached to the axle. The
hub bears a majority of the weight of what’s in your vehicle and distributes the weight evenly
throughout the rest of the wheels for a stable and balanced ride.

A wheel hub also enables the wheel to move smoothly and move the vehicle in the direction you want it
to go. For more complex wheel systems, the brake rotor will be mounted to the wheel hub. This setup
helps slow down or stop the entire vehicle by creating friction when the calipers and brake pads clamp
down onto the brake rotor.

On vehicles, the wheel hub will be connected to the anti-lock braking system (ABS) and the traction
control system (TCS). Besides containing wheel bearings, a wheel hub on a vehicle also has a wheel
speed sensor that tracks how fast each wheel is turning and relays that information to the ABS control
system. This helps the ABS decide if anti-lock braking is needed in aggressive braking situations.

Although all wheels have hubs, not all are fully outfitted with all these features. Your yard wagon or
pony wagon will only be equipped with the basics. The hub of your wagon will securely connect your
wheel to the axle and will be equipped with bearings to create a smooth tire rotation.

Assembly Of A Wheel Hub

The are a variety of different kinds of wheels and with those different kinds of wheels come different
wheel hub assemblies. With most wheels you’ll find the following components:

Wheel Hub

The hub’s main responsibility is securely connecting the wheel to the axel while housing the wheel
bearings. Generally, this piece comes in a disc shape with a slightly protruding center section that has
several studs. Wear to your wheel hubs come from wheel bearings that fail, making your vehicle
extremely difficult to handle.

Wheel Studs

These pieces are essential parts of the wheel hub assembly. The wheel studs are what connect the
wheel to the wheel hub assembly. Overtop of the wheel studs are the brake rotor and wheel with lug
nuts securely holding the wheel in place.
Wheel Bearing

Wheel bearings are essential to the wheel hub assembly as they are what makes the wheel spin. A
wheel bearing consists of a metal ring with steel balls or some rolling element, an inner and outer ring, a
bearing cage, a bearing seal, and a retainer. Altogether these parts fit into the wheel hub and connect to
the wheel to allow the wheel to rotate. Although this is a very small part of the wheel hub assembly, if
the wheel bearing goes bad, the rest of your wheel is in trouble. Because the wheel bearing is a small
part that sees a lot of force, it is the part of the wheel that is most prone to requiring replacement.

Oil Seal

This is a rubber seal that keeps dirt, water, and other debris out of the wheel bearing. While keeping the
bad stuff out, an oil seal also keeps the good stuff– lubricating grease– in the bearing assembly. This
keeps the bearing from going bad prematurely.

Dust Cap

On the outer edge of the bearing assembly, there is a hole in the wheel hub assembly. This poses a
problem dirt and other harmful things can get in and the needed grease can find its way out of the
opening. A dust cap is an easy solution to add use time to your wheel hub assembly.

This is not an exhaustive list of what wheel hub assemblies contain. For wheel hub assemblies, you’ll
have the addition of sensors that track the rate that your wheels are spinning and more complex
technology to provide the vehicle’s system with the information it needs to keep you safe. For simple
wheel hub systems, there might be these components, but on a more basic and straightforward scale.

With different types of wheels come different questions about how they work and what differs between
them and others. Bike tires have a distinct construction that greatly differs from other tires. How are
these designed to provide optimum performance?

How are Bike Wheel Hubs Different than Other Wheels?

What is a Wheel Hub For Mountain Bikes

It doesn’t take much to realize that bicycle wheel hubs are quite different than other wheels. One glance
at a bike wheel shows you the main difference– the spokes that connect the wheel hub to the tire. Even
within the bike, there are differences in hubs. The front wheel hubs are a simpler design while the rear
wheel has a more complex design.
This device lets the freehub body spin on its own in one direction when coasting. It also locks together
with the freehub body to transfer torque when the freehub body is trying to turn faster than the hub
shell.

While there are many other components and factors that go into the bike wheel, this is a brief overview
of what pieces make up the hubs of bikes. Many of the same basic wheel hub parts are incorporated
into bike wheel hubs with the addition of special features to make a bike function as it’s intended to.

Are Wheel Hubs Important?

Yes! Hubs are essential to any vehicle, wagon, bike, or any other wheeled contraption. Just as the sun is
the center of our solar system and is essential for our existence, the hub is the center of the wheel and is
essential to the wheel functioning as it should.

For vehicles, the wheel hub is needed to keep your wheels moving fluidly and make the steering of your
car safer and easier. Bike hubs can completely change the performance of your bicycle. The faster the
hubs work, the faster the bike goes. The reverse is also true. If your wheel hubs are slow due to excess
debris in the bearing, your bike will move slowly and keep you back when racing.

In order for your vehicle, bike, or wagon to function properly, you need to have wheel hubs that are in
tip-top shape. Make sure you do all you can to keep dirt, moisture, and other debris from building up
within your wheel hubs.

Got a Damaged Wheel Hub?

Life happens and sometimes damage is inevitable. No matter how carefully you take care of your wheels
when you are out and about things happen that you don’t have control over. The main causes of wheel
hub damage are impacts, debris, and misalignment.

Cause of Damage to Wheel Hubs

It’s easy for wheel hubs to get damaged from going over rough terrain and being used in rain or snow. If
you hit a big bump in the road, the wheel bearing can break or become weaker which will inevitably lead
to the bearing failing completely. Keeping your vehicle or wagon stored inside a building is a good way
to ensure that it’s not exposed to excess moisture and debris that causes damage. If your wheels aren’t
aligned properly, your vehicle will always pull to one side which causes a constant need to turn slightly
to keep the car moving straight. This makes the bearing take on extra stress and makes the bearing wear
down faster.
Symptoms of Damaged Wheel Hubs

If you hear a grinding or rumbling noise, chances are that you have a bad wheel bearing on your hands.
Another symptom is a shaking feeling when steering. If the wheel you dealing with is equipped with a
rotor and brake pads, check if there is uneven wear on them. If there is uneven wear, you have a good
sign that the wheel bearings are bad.Replacing a Damaged Wheel

While you can prevent a lot of damage to your wheels, repair, and replacement will eventually become
necessary. You can change the wheel bearings on a vehicle, but for something small like a pony cart and
wagon, a new wheel is the way to go. Lapp Wagons offers you high-quality replacement wheels for
numerous wheeled carts, wagons, and more. You’ll be so happy with your replacement wheels that you
won’t care that your wheels gave out in the first place!

Replacement Wheels

To sum it all up, a wheel hub is an essential part of the wheel that connects it to the axle and distributes
the weight to the wheels. The wheel hub contains different components that help it to keep the wheel
rotating smoothly and offer you a smooth and safe ride.