Aircraft Powertrain De-Coupler Layout for Fault Isolation Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power systems for hybrid or electric propulsion aircraft require complex architectures for torque transfer between motor-generator components and additional components like turbines, which increases maintenance complexity and accessibility issues.
Innovation Solution
A power system design that includes a motor-generator component connected to a shaft, which is in turn connected to an additional component for torque transfer, and a de-coupler that allows the motor-generator component to be disconnected from the shaft in case of a fault, improving reliability and accessibility for maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the motor-generator component is permanently connected to the shaft for continuous torque transfer, then the power transmission reliability is improved, but the accessibility of components for maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The power system is segmented into modular components (motor-generator component, shaft, de-coupler) that can be independently accessed and maintained. The de-coupler acts as a segmentation point that allows the motor-generator component to be separated from the shaft for maintenance while maintaining connection during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The de-coupler serves as an intermediary device between the motor-generator component and the shaft. It mediates the connection by providing a controllable coupling mechanism that allows the motor-generator component to be connected during operation and disconnected for maintenance, resolving the contradiction between reliable power transmission and maintenance accessibility.
2Ease of repair
If a de-coupler is added to enable disconnection of the motor-generator component from the shaft, then the maintenance accessibility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The de-coupler is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides continuous torque transfer during normal operation, enables quick disconnection for maintenance, and offers fault isolation capability. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering multiple benefits from a single component.
Solution Approach 2:
The de-coupler mechanism is nested within the existing power system architecture, integrating the connection and disconnection functionality into the existing motor-generator and shaft assembly. This nesting approach minimizes the additional space and complexity required while providing the desired maintenance accessibility.
3Ease of repair
If the motor-generator component is positioned between the de-coupler and the additional component, then the maintenance accessibility of the de-coupler is improved, but the space requirement of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motor-generator component is positioned in the axial dimension between the de-coupler and the additional component, allowing the de-coupler to be accessed from the radial direction. This dimensional arrangement provides maintenance accessibility without significantly increasing the overall envelope volume of the power system.
Data Source
AI summary
A power system for an aircraft comprises: a motor-generator component; a shaft, wherein the motor-generator component is connectable to the shaft, the shaft connectable to an additional component of the aircraft to for torque transfer with the additional component; and a de-coupler operable to disconnect the motor-generator component from the shaft, wherein the motor-generator component is located between the de-coupler and the additional component in use.