Direct Drive Rotation Device for Passive Fluid Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid pumps used in gearboxes and mechanical systems are vulnerable to operational failures, costly, complex, and require significant maintenance, especially when moving fluid against gravitational forces, necessitating a more efficient and reliable solution.
Innovation Solution
A direct drive rotation device that passively moves lubrication/cooling fluid against gravity within a gearbox, eliminating the need for conventional pumps by using centrifugal forces and ambient fluid capture to efficiently distribute fluid to desired locations without active command or sequential fluid transfer systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fluid pumps are used to move fluid against gravity, then fluid can be delivered to desired locations, but the system becomes complex, vulnerable to failure, and requires significant maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the conventional pump entirely from the system and replaces it with a passive fluid distribution mechanism that uses the gearbox's existing rotation to move fluid against gravity through centrifugal force and gravity-assisted flow paths
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the gearbox's own rotational motion to generate centrifugal force that automatically moves fluid to the desired location without requiring an external pump or active control system
2Reliability
If conventional fluid pumps are used to move fluid against gravity, then fluid delivery is achieved, but certification requirements increase and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the pump component that drives certification requirements and increased costs, using instead a passive mechanism that leverages existing gearbox rotation and gravity
Solution Approach 2:
The gearbox's existing rotation serves dual purposes: power transmission and fluid movement, eliminating the need for separate pump components that would require additional certification
3Reliability
If conventional fluid pumps are used to move fluid against gravity, then fluid can be pumped to desired location, but maintenance requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the pump component that requires maintenance, replacing it with a passive fluid distribution system that has no moving parts requiring service
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains itself by using the gearbox's existing rotation to continuously move fluid without requiring external maintenance or intervention
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 direct drive rotation device effectively moves fluid against gravity, reduces certification requirements, and accurately delivers lubrication/cooling fluid to components, while also capturing ambient fluid, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and reducing maintenance needs.
Implementation Method 1
A direct drive rotation device that passively moves lubrication/cooling fluid against gravity within a gearbox, eliminating the need for conventional pumps by using centrifugal forces
Data Source
AI summary
The device is configured for moving a fluid within a gearbox. In one illustrative embodiment, the device includes a base portion coupled to a rotatable member within the gearbox. An inlet portion of the device is configured to draw the fluid from a reservoir portion of the gearbox. The device is configured to utilize a centrifugal force for moving the fluid from the inlet portion toward the base portion along an interior surface of a conical portion. In another illustrative embodiment, the device includes a conical portion having an external threaded portion configured to capture a fluid during a rotation of the device. In such an embodiment, the threaded portion is configured to utilize a centrifugal force for moving the fluid captured by the threaded portion along an exterior surface of the conical portion.