Variable Pitch Fan Blade Sensor Rotary Union
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing variable pitch fans used to cool industrial diesel engines face challenges in measuring the actual pitch of rotating blades due to high-speed operation, making it difficult to accurately control airflow and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A compact variable pitch fan design incorporates a pitch change sensor integrated within the rotary union, utilizing a pin and coil configuration where the pin moves axially inside a measurement coil, allowing for inductance changes to determine blade pitch, and a drive fluid system to adjust blade position, enabling precise pitch control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a pitch sensor is added to measure actual blade pitch, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pitch sensor is integrated into the rotary union structure, combining the pitch measurement function with the existing fluid distribution structure. This merging approach allows the sensor to be housed within the rotary union, sharing space and reducing overall system complexity despite adding measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
A magnetic coupling mechanism is used as an intermediary to transmit pitch position information from the rotating blade assembly to the stationary sensor system. The magnetic field acts as a mediator that transfers positional data without requiring direct mechanical contact or complex rotating electrical connections.
2Productivity
If the fan operates at high rotation speeds, then productivity is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring pitch increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical measurement approach is replaced with a magnetic sensing system. Instead of using mechanical encoders or direct contact sensors that would be difficult to implement on high-speed rotating blades, the invention uses magnetic fields to detect pitch position, which can accurately track rapid changes in blade orientation during high-speed operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The pitch sensor system is pre-configured within the rotary union structure before operation. The magnetic coupling and sensing elements are positioned and calibrated in advance, allowing the system to immediately and accurately measure pitch position when the fan starts rotating at high speed without requiring additional adjustment or measurement correction.
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 allows for accurate measurement and control of blade pitch, enhancing airflow management, reducing parasitic horsepower draw, and improving fuel efficiency and productivity by optimizing airflow based on real-time temperature feedback.
Implementation Method 1
the pitch change sensor comprises a pin and a coil, one of the pin and coil being connected to move with the pitch change piston and the other of the pin and coil being formed within the rotary union
Data Source
AI summary
A compact variable pitch fan has a drive fluid pitch change mechanism. A pitch change piston is constrained to follow reciprocating motion under drive fluid control within a peripheral hub from which fan blades extend outward. A pitch change sensor is mounted with the rotary union.