Hydrodynamic Converter Adjustment Device Using Coaxial Ring Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydrodynamic converters face challenges with high wear and complex adjustment mechanisms for impeller blades, leading to inefficiencies and increased friction losses when operating outside optimal conditions.
Innovation Solution
A compact and robust hydrodynamic converter design featuring an actuator with coaxially arranged ring elements that allow for relative rotation, enabling a low-wear adjustment of impeller vanes through a hydraulic actuation system, reducing mechanical components and allowing for stepless adjustability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If complex hydraulic-mechanical adjustment devices with gears and pressure channels are used to adjust impeller blades, then the converter can adapt to different operating conditions, but the device complexity and mechanical wear increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex mechanical transmission components (gears, toothed rings, multiple pressure chambers) from the adjustment device. The solution uses a simplified actuator with a single pressure channel that directly actuates the impeller blades through hydraulic pressure, removing unnecessary mechanical intermediaries while preserving the adaptability function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical adjustment mechanism (gears, toothed connections, mechanical linkages) with a purely hydraulic actuation system. The impeller blades are adjusted through hydraulic pressure applied to a simple actuator, eliminating mechanical wear and reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to adapt to different operating conditions.
2Reliability
If multiple mechanical components and sealing elements are used in the adjustment device, then blade angle adjustment can be maintained, but mechanical wear and friction losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses hydraulic actuation to adjust the impeller blades, replacing mechanical adjustment mechanisms with a fluid-based system. A single pressure channel delivers hydraulic pressure to a simple actuator, eliminating mechanical wear from gears, teeth, and multiple seals while reducing friction losses. The hydraulic system maintains reliable blade angle adjustment without the energy losses associated with complex mechanical components.
3Reliability
If a compact design with reduced mechanical components is used for the adjustment device, then wear is minimized, but the ability to precisely control blade position may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic actuation system provides precise control of impeller blade angles through controlled application of hydraulic pressure. The single pressure channel and simple actuator design minimize mechanical components and wear while maintaining the ability to precisely adjust blade positions. The hydraulic system's inherent controllability ensures accurate blade angle positioning without compromising manufacturing precision.
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 minimizes wear, enhances efficiency by allowing precise control of pump torque and flow angle, and reduces the risk of mechanical failures, while maintaining a compact and accessible structure for easy integration and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
the first ring element (18) can be rotated relative to a second ring element (19) in the circumferential direction of the drive shaft (12). At least one pressure chamber (21, 22) which can each be subjected to pressure for the relative rotation between the first and second ring elements (18, 19)
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a hydrodynamic converter comprising: a working chamber (10) through which an operating medium can flow; a pump wheel (11) connected to a drive shaft (12); a turbine wheel (13) connected to a driven shaft; a guide vane (14); and at least one positioning blade (15) that can be adjusted by means of an adjustment device (16). In order to provide a compactly formed and robust hydrodynamic converter of this type, having a hard-wearing adjustment device (16) for adjusting at least one positioning vane (15), according to the invention, the adjustment device (16) comprises an actuating drive (17) having ring elements (18, 19), each ring element being arranged coaxially in relation to the drive shaft (12), wherein a first ring element (18) is connected to the at least one positioning blade (15) for transmitting a positioning force or a positioning torque via a diverting device (20), and the first ring element (18) can be rotated relative to a second ring element (19) in the peripheral sense of the drive shaft (12).