A wide overview.  Planetary gears are analogous to the solar system, as seen in the diagram. The planet pinion gears rotate around the sun gear while turning on their own axes.

Planetary gear systems, also known as epicyclic gear systems, tend to be very difficult at first glance. It is undeniably true that mastering all of the complex aspects of constructing this sort of gear system necessitates the expertise of a professional gear engineer. This post isn’t for you if you’re a seasoned gear engineer. If you want a more simple understanding of planetary gears, you’ve come to the right place.

Planetary gear systems, which have the advantages of compact structures, high transmission efficiency, and large transmission ratio, are commonly used in technical systems such as helicopters, vehicles, spacecraft, mining machinery, and so on. To achieve the goal of torque shunting, the load can be uniformly distributed on planet gears.

What is a planetary gearbox?

A planetary gearbox is one in which the input and output shafts are precisely balanced. To pass the most torque in the smallest amount of space, a planetary gearbox is used (known as torque density).

The acceleration hub on a bicycle is an excellent example of a planet-wheel mechanism: Have you ever wondered how such a small hub can pack so much strength and capability? A one-stage planetary gear system is used in a three-speed hub, while a two-stage is used in a five-speed hub. There is a reduction state, a direct coupling, and an acceleration mode in each planet gear system.

The planetary gearbox was functionally described by Leonardo da Vinci in 1490 and has been used for centuries, but no one knows who invented it.

What is the purpose of the name planetary gearbox?

The planetary gearbox gets its name from the way the various gears interact. There is a sun (solar) gear, a satellite (ring) gear, and two or more planet gears in a planetary gearbox. The output shaft is created when the sun-gear is driven, which drives the planet gears locked in the planet carrier.

In comparison to the outside world, the satellite gears are in a fixed location. The name derives from the fact that it resembles our planetary solar system. Ancient gear constructions were widely used in astrology for mapping and following our celestial bodies, which helped. As a result, taking this measure was not such a big deal.

In practice, we often discuss planetary gearboxes in the context of industrial automation. The input shaft is the sun-gear, the output shaft is the planet gears and carrier, and the housing is the satellite gear (or ring gear).

Planetary gear systems are used:  

When space and weight are small, but a significant amount of speed reduction and torque is needed, planetary gears are frequently used. This rule applies to a wide range of industries, including tractors and construction machinery that need a lot of torque to drive the wheels. Planetary gear sets can also be used in turbine engines, automatic transmissions, and even electric screwdrivers.

Since the load is shared by multiple planet gears, planetary gear systems can generate a lot of torque. In contrast to a conventional parallel axis gear system, this configuration offers more contact surfaces and a greater contact area between the gears. As a result, the load is more uniformly distributed, and the gears are less susceptible to injury.

Planetary Gear Manufacturing

The skills needed to produce planetary gears are the same as those needed to manufacture every other form of precision gear. Gear Motions is a well-known precision gear manufacturer that specializes in custom cut and ground gears.

We have a wide range of gear manufacturing capabilities, including the ability to manufacture all of the individual gears that form a planetary gear system. Special manufacturing capabilities are required, including minimum and maximum diameters, pitch diameter, and face width.

In the end, 

When space and weight are small, but a significant amount of speed reduction and torque is needed, planetary gears are frequently used. This rule applies to a wide range of industries, including tractors and construction machinery that need a lot of torque to drive the wheels.