External Coupling Shafts for Electric Motor Transmission Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing propulsion assemblies require frequent and labor-intensive maintenance of coupling systems, necessitating the disassembly and removal of the transmission system, which is time-consuming and costly.
Innovation Solution
The coupling system is positioned outside the transmission system, with coupling shafts arranged on either side, allowing for maintenance without disassembling the transmission system, and featuring a disengageable mechanism that transitions to an uncoupled state when torque exceeds a threshold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the coupling system is positioned inside the transmission system housing, then the assembly is more compact, but maintenance requires disassembly of the transmission system which is time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is segmented from the transmission system by positioning it in a separate accessible location outside the transmission housing, while maintaining functional integration through the coupling shafts that pass through the housing walls
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling system is extracted from inside the transmission housing and positioned externally in the outer zone, allowing independent maintenance access without disassembling the transmission system while preserving compact overall assembly
2Reliability
If the coupling system requires frequent maintenance, then reliability can be maintained, but the transmission system must be repeatedly disassembled and reassembled increasing downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is pre-positioned in an externally accessible location, preparing the configuration for rapid maintenance intervention without requiring transmission system disassembly, thus reducing downtime when maintenance is needed
3Ease of operation
If the coupling shafts pass through the transmission housing, then connectivity is maintained, but contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling shafts are nested within protective housings or sealed passages that pass through the transmission housing walls, maintaining the nested structure where the coupling shafts are contained within the transmission system boundaries while extending externally for coupling purposes
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a propulsion assembly comprising a propulsion system, at least one electric motor (44) positioned in a first external zone (ZE1), a transmission system (46) and a coupling device which includes: - a first coupling shaft (68) coupled to an output (60) of the electric motor (44), passing through the transmission system (46) and having a first end (68.1) projecting into a second external zone (ZE2), - a second coupling shaft (70) coupled to an input (52) of the transmission system (46), passing through at least one wall of the transmission system (46) and having a first end (70.1) projecting into the second external zone (ZE2), - a coupling system (72) configured to rotationally couple the first ends (68.1, 70.1) of the first and second coupling shafts (68, 70), positioned in the second external zone (ZE2).The invention also relates to an aircraft comprising at least one such propulsion system.