Brush Module Cooling Channels for Stable Slip Ring Contact
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing brush modules in rotating electrical machines face challenges in cooling the brushes while maintaining stable power distribution, as excessive coolant supply can disrupt electrical connections between the brush and the slip ring.
Innovation Solution
A brush module design with a flow passage system that includes supply and recovery ports, allowing controlled coolant flow to cool brushes efficiently, with separate flow passages on both axial sides and a communication passage between them, enhancing cooling efficiency and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the amount of coolant supplied to the brush is increased to improve cooling effect, then the cooling efficiency is improved, but the electrical connection between the brush and slip ring is disturbed
Solution Approach 1:
The brush module is divided into multiple independent cooling channels (first cooling channel, second cooling channel, third cooling channel) that separately cool different regions of the brush. This segmentation allows controlled coolant flow to specific areas without excessive discharge affecting the electrical connection between the brush and slip ring.
Solution Approach 2:
Different cooling channels are positioned to cool specific regions of the brush based on heat generation patterns. The first cooling channel cools the radial inner end, the second cooling channel cools the circumferential surface, and the third cooling channel provides additional cooling. This localised cooling approach optimises cooling efficiency while minimising coolant discharge that could disrupt electrical connections.
2Device complexity
If a simple cooling structure is used to reduce device complexity, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the cooling efficiency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The brush holder serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the brush, contains the cooling channels, and facilitates coolant circulation. By integrating the cooling function into the existing brush holder structure rather than adding separate cooling components, the design achieves effective cooling while minimising overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system uses fluid dynamics principles with coolant flowing through strategically designed channels. The first cooling channel directs coolant to the radial inner end, the second channel provides circumferential cooling, and the third channel supplements cooling. This hydraulic approach efficiently removes heat from the brush through controlled fluid flow.
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
The design ensures stable power distribution and effective cooling of brushes by optimizing coolant supply and recovery, maintaining lubrication and preventing excessive coolant discharge, thus enhancing the operational reliability of the brush module.
Implementation Method 1
by using the cooling fluid flowing from the supply port toward the discharge port, it is possible to cool the brush provided at the position corresponding to the guide surface
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
{Technical Problem} The present invention provides a brush module capable of cooling a brush while stably distributing power. {Solution to Problem} A brush module 10 includes brushes 11, and a main body 12 attached to a stationary side element 3, the main body having guide surfaces 17a that guide the brushes 11 toward rotating side elements 81, wherein the main body 12 has a flow passage 15 that leads a fluid to positions corresponding to the guide surfaces 17a, a supply port 15a from which the fluid is supplied to the flow passage 15, and recovery ports 15b in which the fluid is recovered from the flow passage 15.