Fluid Machine Shroud Downsizing via External Bearing Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid machines, such as those used in underwater vehicles, face challenges in downsizing due to the need for larger shrouds to accommodate both the motor and the bearing apparatus, which increases drag and reduces propulsion efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The fluid machine design includes a shaft portion with a bearing apparatus provided only on the shaft portion, outside the shroud, while the motor is located within the shroud to drive the propeller. This configuration allows for a compact shroud design and reduces the load on the bearing apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If both the motor and the bearing apparatus are arranged in the shroud, then the propulsion apparatus can be integrated, but the shroud size increases to accommodate both components
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the propulsion apparatus into two separate locations: the motor is arranged in the shroud while the bearing apparatus is arranged on the shaft portion outside the shroud. This segmentation allows the shroud to be smaller while maintaining integrated functionality, as the motor and bearing apparatus operate cooperatively but are spatially separated.
2Strength
If a large bearing apparatus is employed to withstand large load from fast circumferential speed, then the bearing can handle the load, but the shroud size increases to accommodate the larger bearing apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
By relocating the bearing apparatus from inside the shroud to the shaft portion outside the shroud, the invention allows the bearing to be sized appropriately for the load requirements without constraining the shroud dimensions. The shroud can be optimized for its primary function of directing water flow while the bearing apparatus handles the mechanical load support externally.
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 design enables the fluid machine and underwater vehicle to be downsized, reducing drag and maintaining propulsion efficiency by minimizing the size of the shroud and optimizing the load on the bearing apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
a motor provided in the shroud and configured to rotationally drive the propeller
Implementation Method 2
a bearing apparatus provided only to the shaft portion, out of the shroud and the shaft portion, and rotationally supporting the propeller
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid machine includes: a shaft portion extending in an axis direction; a shroud provided to surround the shaft portion, and forming a flow path between the shroud and the shaft portion, the flow path having one side in the axis direction serving as an upstream side and another side in the axis direction serving as a downstream side; a propeller provided rotatably around the axis between the shaft portion and the shroud; a motor provided in the shroud and configured to rotationally drive the propeller; and a bearing apparatus provided only to the shaft portion, out of the shroud and the shaft portion, and rotationally supporting the propeller.