Electric Machine Moisture Guide Gravity Drainage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric machines, such as motors and generators, face challenges in effectively managing moisture ingress through leak paths in their housings, which can lead to corrosion and damage to sensitive components, and existing sealing methods are often expensive and ineffective.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a moisture guide within the electric machine's housing, which is designed to divert moisture towards a leak path exit using gravity, thereby protecting sensitive components and reducing the risk of moisture-related damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sealing methods are used to prevent moisture ingress, then component protection is improved, but cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent accepts that moisture will enter through leak paths but converts this harmful ingress into a beneficial drainage system. The moisture guide and drain hole work together to channel the entered moisture to a safe exit point, transforming the problem of moisture intrusion into a controlled drainage solution that protects sensitive components without requiring complex sealing.
2Reliability
If sealing methods are used to prevent moisture ingress, then component protection is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The moisture guide is implemented as a simple, inexpensive component made from basic materials like plastic or metal sheeting. Rather than investing in expensive sealing systems, the patent uses a low-cost drainage approach that effectively manages moisture without significantly increasing manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution accepts moisture ingress as inevitable and converts it into a manageable condition through simple drainage, avoiding the need for expensive sealing materials or complex protective systems.
3Reliability
If the moisture guide is positioned close to the inner surface, then moisture diversion effectiveness is improved, but risk of contact with components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The moisture guide is positioned strategically at specific locations where moisture accumulation occurs, such as above the rotor or at high points in the housing. This localized positioning provides effective moisture diversion at critical areas while maintaining safe distances from sensitive components through careful spatial arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The moisture guide acts as an intermediary element between the moisture source and sensitive components. It intercepts and redirects moisture flow before it can reach vulnerable areas, serving as a protective mediator that manages the moisture pathway without direct contact with components.
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 solution effectively manages moisture ingress, reducing the risk of corrosion and damage to internal components, while being cost-effective and improving the reliability and serviceability of the electric machine.
Implementation Method 1
The guide is adapted to utilize gravity to guide or divert moisture away from internal components
Data Source
AI summary
According to an embodiment of the invention, an electric machine for use in an environment having moisture is provided. The machine includes a housing that has an inner surface defining a cavity in the housing. The housing defines a leak path exit adapted to remove moisture accumulating within the housing away from the housing. The electric machine further includes a stator secured to the housing and a rotor that is rotatably secured to the housing. The electric machine further includes a moisture guide positioned at least partially within the cavity and adapted to guide at least some of the moisture toward the leak path exit.