Dielectric Joint Assembly for Torque Transfer and Fault Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In actuated ball valve systems, particularly in aircraft water supply systems, there is a need for a dielectric barrier to prevent electrical faults from the motor end from being transmitted to the metal ball shaft, which can cause damage due to conductive paths, and to maintain torque transmission even when the ball shaft experiences resistance or becomes jammed.
Innovation Solution
A dielectric insulating assembly is positioned between the drive shaft and the driven shaft, using electrically non-conductive fastener elements to connect the shafts and maintain torque transfer, with a dielectric insulator, such as a disk, acting as a barrier between the metal parts, ensuring electrical insulation and torque transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dielectric barrier is introduced between the drive shaft and driven shaft, then electrical insulation is improved, but torque transmission capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A dielectric insulating assembly is positioned between the drive shaft and driven shaft to act as an electrical barrier while still allowing torque transmission. The insulating assembly includes a dielectric material that prevents electrical fault transmission while mechanical fasteners or direct contact surfaces transmit the rotational force from the motor to the ball shaft.
Solution Approach 2:
The dielectric insulating assembly uses composite construction combining electrically insulating materials with mechanically load-bearing features. This allows the same component to provide both electrical insulation and torque transmission functions simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between these two requirements.
2Strength
If the ball shaft is made of metal to satisfy durability standards, then strength is improved, but electrical conductivity increases causing fault transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The drive system is segmented into electrically isolated sections. The metal ball shaft maintains its durability for mechanical strength, while the dielectric insulating assembly creates an electrical boundary that prevents fault transmission. This segmentation allows each component to optimize for its primary function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The dielectric insulating assembly acts as an intermediary between the metal drive shaft and metal driven shaft, preventing direct electrical contact while allowing mechanical torque transmission. This mediator enables the use of durable metal components on both sides while blocking electrical fault propagation.
3Reliability
If a dielectric insulating assembly is added between shafts, then electrical fault prevention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dielectric insulating assembly combines multiple functions into a single component: electrical insulation, torque transmission, and mechanical coupling. By merging these functions into one integrated assembly rather than separate components, the design reduces overall complexity while achieving the desired fault prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The dielectric insulating assembly is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides electrical insulation and mechanical torque transmission. This universal component eliminates the need for separate insulating and coupling elements, simplifying the overall device architecture.
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 solution effectively prevents electrical faults from reaching the ball shaft, maintains torque transmission, and allows for manual operation in case of motor failure, while meeting durability and safety standards by using dielectric materials and non-conductive fasteners to secure the shafts.
Implementation Method 1
dielectric insulation between the drive shaft and the driven shaft
Implementation Method 2
fastener elements configured to connect the drive shaft to the driven shaft and the dielectric insulation therebetween, in torque transfer engagement
Data Source
AI summary
A dielectric insulating assembly arranged to be positioned between a drive shaft and a driven shaft of a motorised drive assembly. The assembly includes dielectric insulation between the drive shaft and the driven shaft and plurality of electrically non-conductive fastener elements configured to connect the drive shaft to the driven shaft and the dielectric insulation therebetween, in torque transfer engagement, the fasteners located around an outer boundary of the dielectric insulation.