Hydrodynamic Converter Core-Space Actuation for Compact Underwater Drives
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing underwater propulsion units with hydrodynamic speed/torque converters face challenges in compact design and reduced power loss, as they require significant installation space and complex sealing due to bulky adjustment mechanisms that cross the flow circuit, leading to energy losses and structural complexity.
Innovation Solution
The integration of an actuator within the core space of the converter, coaxially arranged with the axis of rotation, allows for a compact design with minimal radial and axial space requirements, reducing power loss by minimizing the crossing of the flow circuit and simplifying sealing, using ring elements and pressure chambers for adjustable vanes to achieve stepless adjustability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a bulky adjustment mechanism is used to adjust the vanes from the outside during operation, then the converter can be influenced during operation, but the installation space requirement increases and sealing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is nested within the core space of the converter, specifically positioned within the radial extent of the converter. The adjustment mechanism is integrated into the existing structure rather than added externally, with the actuator arranged coaxially to the axis of rotation and housed within the converter's internal volume, thereby achieving adjustability without increasing external dimensions
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism transitions from external radial adjustment to internal axial arrangement. The actuator is positioned in the axial direction within the core space, utilizing the axial dimension for adjustment operations rather than requiring external radial access, thus reducing the radial space requirement while maintaining adjustability
2Adaptability or versatility
If a bulky adjustment mechanism is used to adjust the vanes, then the converter can be influenced during operation, but the sealing complexity and effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is merged with the converter structure, with the actuator housing integrated into the converter's core space. The adjustment mechanism shares the same pressure medium environment as the converter, eliminating the need for separate sealing systems and reducing overall sealing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator utilizes the pressure medium already present in the converter for its operation, rather than requiring a separate fluid supply system. The actuator is actuated by the pressure medium circulating through the converter, thereby simplifying the sealing requirements as the same sealing system serves both the converter and the adjustment mechanism
3Adaptability or versatility
If an adjustment shaft crosses the flow circuit to adjust the vanes, then the vanes can be adjusted during operation, but power loss increases due to crossing the high energy content flow circuit
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is extracted from the external flow circuit environment and positioned within the core space of the converter. By relocating the adjustment mechanism to the internal core space, the adjustment shaft no longer needs to cross the external high-energy flow circuit, thereby eliminating the associated power losses while maintaining the ability to adjust vanes during operation
4Ease of operation
If the actuator is arranged outside the radial extent of the converter, then the adjustment mechanism has sufficient space, but the radial space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is nested within the radial extent of the converter, positioned in the core space between the impeller and turbine wheel. This internal arrangement provides sufficient space for the adjustment mechanism while eliminating the need for external radial extension, thereby maintaining ease of operation without increasing the overall radial footprint
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 configuration results in a more compact, efficient, and simpler underwater propulsion unit with reduced power loss and easier integration, suitable for subsea applications, by minimizing the radial space requirement and energy loss while maintaining precise adjustability of the adjustable vanes.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator (5) has first and second pressure chambers (21, 22) arranged in the circumferential direction of the axis of rotation (R) which can be pressurized for the relative rotation between the first and second ring element (18, 19)
Implementation Method 2
a hydrodynamic speed/torque converter (1) connected to the electric motor (31), in particular to a drive shaft (32), with at least one rotating impeller (P), at least one turbine wheel (T) rotatable about an axis of rotation (R)
Data Source
Figure 1~2b
Figure 3~4
Figure 5a~5b
AI summary
The invention relates to a hydrodynamic converter having at least one pump wheel that can be rotated about an axis of rotation, one turbine wheel that can be rotated about an axis of rotation, and one stator, which form a working chamber for forming a hydrodynamic circulating flow, through which working chamber operating medium can flow, wherein the stator has at least one adjustment blade or blade segment that can be adjusted by an adjustment device. The invention is characterized in that the adjustment device comprises an adjustment drive, which is arranged in the core space of the circulating flow and which is coupled to the at least one adjustment blade or the adjustable blade segment in order to transmit an adjustment force.