Alternator Stator Inspection Probe Deflection Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing alternator inspection methods are limited in their ability to thoroughly inspect stator windings without disassembling the rotor, leading to potential irreversible damage from undetected faults and high costs and intervention times.
Innovation Solution
A device that allows for detailed inspection of alternator stator windings with a probe system that moves along a carriage with adjustable tracks and deflecting elements, enabling thorough inspection of slots and bars without disassembling the rotor, using a control station to manage the probe's movement and deflection within the air gap.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If inspection probes are introduced through ventilation channels, then inspection can be performed without disassembly, but the inspection is limited only to stator slots provided with ventilation channels and only the lower part of the stator pack
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the air gap as an intermediary space to introduce the inspection device into the stator slots. Instead of routing the probe through ventilation channels (which limit access), the device is positioned in the air gap between rotor and stator, allowing direct access to all stator slots including upper portions without requiring disassembly or relying on coolant circulation paths.
2Device complexity
If visual inspection alone is used, then the inspection device is simple, but thorough and reliable analysis of the insulation conditions of the stator bars is impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple inspection functions into a single integrated device: visual inspection capabilities, electrical insulation measurement (megger testing), and partial discharge detection. This merging allows comprehensive analysis of stator bar conditions without requiring multiple separate devices or disassembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces purely mechanical/visual inspection methods with electrical measurement techniques. By incorporating megger testing and partial discharge detection, the system can assess insulation conditions electrically, providing reliable data about insulation integrity that visual inspection alone cannot detect.
3Measurement precision
If more advanced inspection devices are used, then detailed inspection is possible, but the rotor must be disassembled, increasing costs and intervention times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary positioning of the inspection device in the air gap before actual inspection begins. The device is pre-configured with all necessary measurement capabilities (visual, electrical, partial discharge detection) and is positioned to access multiple stator slots sequentially, allowing comprehensive inspection without intermediate disassembly or reconfiguration steps that would increase intervention time.
Data Source
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AI summary
A device (15) for inspecting an alternator of a plant for electric energy production is provided with a probe (17); first moving means (20) configured for moving the probe (17) along a moving axis (V) lying on a moving plane; and at least a first driving element (24, 44, 45) shaped for deflecting the probe (17) in a first direction (D1, D2, D3) transversal to the moving axis (V) on a first side of the plane.