Integrated Aircraft Power Generating Assembly Weight Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern aircraft require increased electric power, leading to larger and heavier electric machines and gear housings, which pose challenges in accommodating them within existing space in propulsion systems, and existing solutions do not offer significant size and weight advantages.
Innovation Solution
The aircraft power generating assembly integrates the electric machine within the mechanical transmission by positioning the rotor around a shaft, eliminating the need for a separate gear branch and allowing for easier maintenance, using a convertible electric machine that operates as both a generator and motor, with a design that reduces the overall size and weight by eliminating unnecessary gearing and bearings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the size of the electric machine is increased to meet higher electric power demands, then the electric power output is improved, but the overall size and weight of the power generating assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electric machine and mechanical transmission into a single integrated assembly, where the electric machine is positioned within the gear housing. This merging eliminates separate mounting structures and reduces overall assembly size and weight while maintaining the required power output capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The electric machine is nested within the mechanical transmission housing, with the rotor positioned around a transmission shaft. This nesting arrangement allows the electric machine to occupy space within the existing transmission structure, reducing the total volume and weight of the power generating assembly
2Power
If the size of the electric machine is increased to meet higher electric power demands, then the electric power output is improved, but the space required for accommodation increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the electric machine and mechanical transmission into one integrated assembly, the patent eliminates the need for separate mounting spaces. The electric machine utilizes the space within the existing transmission housing, thereby reducing the total space required in the propulsion system while delivering higher power output
Solution Approach 2:
The electric machine is positioned in a radial arrangement around the transmission shaft, utilizing the radial dimension rather than requiring additional axial or lateral space. This dimensional arrangement allows the assembly to maintain a compact footprint while accommodating a larger electric machine for higher power output
3Weight of stationary object
If the electric machine is integrated within the gear housing, then the size and weight are reduced, but the complexity of assembly and maintenance may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated assembly is designed with separable components, allowing the electric machine to be removed as a complete unit from the gear housing. This segmentation maintains ease of maintenance and replacement while achieving weight reduction through integration, as the complex internal components remain modular despite the integrated overall structure
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design significantly reduces the size and weight of the power generating assembly, optimizing space usage while maintaining ease of maintenance and safety features, such as independent sector components and releasable couplings, without impairing the electric machine's functionality or increasing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
reversible electric machines, i.e. which operate as a generator when powered by the main propulsion system
Implementation Method 2
operate as an electric motor when powered by auxiliary electric power devices
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An aircraft power generating assembly (1) having a mechanical gear transmission (12), and an electric machine (13) integrated in the mechanical transmission (12); the electric machine (13) having a stator (28) connected directly to a fixed frame (10) of the mechanical transmission, and a rotor (22) surrounding and rotated by a rotary shaft (15) of the mechanical transmission; and the opposite ends of the rotary shaft (15) being connected to respective further rotary input/output shafts (3)(6).