Coupling guard for a rotating member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ventilation systems for coupling guards in rotating machines are complex and costly due to the use of scoops and baffles, resulting in variable performance and high production costs.
Innovation Solution
A ventilation system for coupling guards that eliminates the need for scoops by using a pipe with a curved second opening aligned with the direction of rotation, creating a pressure difference for efficient airflow, thereby reducing material thickness and costs while maintaining rigidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If scoops and baffles are used to improve air circulation in the coupling guard, then ventilation efficiency is improved, but device complexity and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the complex scoops and baffles components from the ventilation system. Instead of using these separate mechanical elements to direct airflow, the patent uses the natural pressure differences generated by rotor rotation combined with strategically positioned inlet and outlet openings to achieve effective air circulation and cooling.
Solution Approach 2:
The ventilation system is designed to be self-regulating, using the rotation of the coupling rotor itself to generate the pressure differences needed for airflow. The rotating rotor automatically creates the suction and pressure zones that drive air through the coupling guard, eliminating the need for external fans or complex mechanical ventilation components.
2Temperature
If scoops and baffles are installed to enhance air flow, then cooling performance is improved, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the expensive scoops and baffles components from the design. The cooling performance is achieved through a simpler configuration of inlet and outlet openings positioned to utilize natural convection currents and pressure differententials created during rotor operation, significantly reducing manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs simple, easily manufactured opening configurations rather than complex, expensive mechanical components. The ventilation system uses basic housing modifications with strategically placed openings that are inexpensive to produce while still achieving effective cooling through natural airflow patterns.
3Loss of substance
If a pipe with curved opening is used to create pressure difference, then material usage is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention incorporates curved or arc-shaped opening configurations in the pipe or housing structure. These curved geometries are designed to optimize airflow patterns and pressure distribution while being manufacturable with standard fabrication techniques. The curvature helps guide airflow smoothly and create effective pressure differentials without requiring excessively tight tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the geometric parameters of the openings (size, shape, position, curvature radius) to achieve the desired pressure difference and airflow characteristics. By carefully selecting and adjusting these parameters, the design achieves effective ventilation with moderate material thickness while maintaining manufacturability with conventional precision levels.
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 system achieves efficient airflow and cooling of the rotating coupling member with reduced material usage and production costs, ensuring consistent performance and effective heat transfer.
Implementation Method 1
pressure differences inside the coupling guard and resulting from the rotation of the rotating coupling member is used for creating an air flow from the air inlet to the air outlet(s)
Implementation Method 2
transferring the heat outside of the coupling guard
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~7B
Figure 4
AI summary
The present invention describes a coupling guard (1) for a rotor (2), wherein the coupling guard (1) comprises: - a housing (10) configured for enclosing the rotor (2) in an inner space (101) of the housing (10), said housing (10) being configured for extending longitudinally along a length of the rotor (2) around an axis of longitudinal extension (LH) of the housing (10) in order to surround at least said length of the rotor (2); - a ventilation system for creating a flow of gas in said inner space (101) from a housing gas inlet (11) to a housing gas outlet (12) from which the gas is exhausted outside of the housing (10); characterized in that the gas inlet (11) comprises a pipe (14) extending along a pipe longitudinal axis (L) from outside to inside the housing (10), said pipe (14) comprising a first opening (141) located outside the housing (10) and a second opening (142) located inside the housing (10) in said inner space (101), the pipe (14) being configured for having its second opening (142) close to the rotor (2) when the housing (10) encloses the latter, the second opening (142) comprising at least a curved edge (C1) wherein a projection of the curved edge (C1) onto a plane extending parallel to the longitudinal axis (L) of the pipe (14) and parallel to the axis of longitudinal extension (LH) is a segment of curve.