Hydrodynamic Converter Actuating Drive Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydrodynamic speed/torque converters with adjustable vanes face challenges in minimizing radial and axial space requirements and reducing power loss due to components crossing the high-energy flow circuit, particularly in subsea applications.
Innovation Solution
The actuating drive is integrated into the core space, using ring elements coaxial to the drive shaft to transmit adjusting forces, with a compact design that includes pressure chambers for hydraulic actuation and minimal mechanical components, allowing for stepless and sensitive adjustability of the vanes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an adjustment device with an adjustment shaft extending radially through the core chamber is used to adjust guide vanes, then the vanes can be adjusted during operation, but the radial and axial installation space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment shaft is repositioned from a radial extension through the core chamber to an axial arrangement at the inlet side of the converter. This dimensional change allows the adjustment mechanism to be integrated into the existing axial space at the inlet flange, eliminating the need for additional radial and axial space that would be required for a radial adjustment shaft configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The inlet flange structure is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides the connection interface for the drive shaft, houses the adjustment device for guide vane control, and maintains the structural integrity of the converter housing. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate adjustment mechanisms that would require additional installation space.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an adjustment shaft crosses the flow circuit to adjust guide vanes, then the vanes can be controlled, but power loss occurs in the high-energy flow circuit area
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment shaft is extracted from the high-energy flow circuit area and repositioned to the inlet side of the converter. This extraction eliminates the interference of the adjustment shaft with the circulating flow, thereby preventing the power losses that would occur if a shaft extended through the core chamber where the flow energy is highest.
Solution Approach 2:
The inlet flange structure acts as an intermediary that transmits the adjustment command from the external actuator to the guide vanes without requiring a physical shaft to cross the flow circuit. This intermediary arrangement allows control functionality while maintaining flow circuit integrity and avoiding energy losses.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a centrifugally actuated adjustment mechanism is used to adjust guide wheel vanes, then the vanes can be adjusted, but the device complexity and installation space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The complex centrifugal actuation mechanism is replaced with a simpler adjustment device that uses an adjustment shaft with an eccentric portion. This simplified mechanical system achieves the same guide vane adjustment functionality with fewer moving parts and reduced complexity, while the adjustment shaft can be actuated by various means (manual, hydraulic, pneumatic) connected to the inlet flange.
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 radial space requirements, simplifies sealing, reduces power loss in high-energy areas, and enables efficient adjustment of the vanes with reduced mechanical wear, enhancing the converter's performance in subsea applications.
Implementation Method 1
The first ring element (18) is rotatable relative to a second ring element (19) in the circumferential direction of the axis of rotation
Implementation Method 2
The first and second ring elements (18, 19) form at least two pressure chambers (21, 22) arranged circumferentially around the axis of rotation, which can be pressurized for relative rotation between the first and second ring elements (18, 19)
Data Source
Figure 1a~2
Figure 3a~3b
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.