Gearbox Assembly Isolating Resilient Engine Vibrations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rigidly mounted engines and alternators in powered systems face challenges when replacing engines, as resiliently mounted engines may not interface properly with rigidly mounted alternators due to vibration and movement issues, leading to potential damage or hindering operation.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a gearbox assembly with interconnected gears and couplers that allow for the connection of a resiliently mounted engine with a rigidly mounted alternator, including a closed loop lubrication system, to absorb vibrations and maintain efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the engine is rigidly mounted to the platform, then the alternator can be rigidly mounted and maintain stable connection, but the engine cannot absorb vibrations and movements, leading to potential damage when replaced with a resiliently mounted engine
Solution Approach 1:
The gearbox assembly serves as an intermediary component between the resiliently mounted engine and the rigidly mounted alternator. The gearbox housing with bearing assemblies accommodates the engine's vibrations and movements while maintaining a stable output connection to the alternator, thus mediating between the two conflicting mounting requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into two distinct connection interfaces: the engine coupler that interfaces with the resiliently mounted engine shaft, and the alternator coupler that interfaces with the rigidly mounted alternator rotor. This segmentation allows each interface to be optimized for its specific mounting type.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the engine is replaced with a resiliently mounted engine, then vibration absorption is improved, but the interface with the rigidly mounted alternator is compromised due to allowed movement
Solution Approach 1:
The gearbox assembly acts as a mediator that isolates the alternator from engine vibrations. The bearing assemblies within the gearbox housing absorb and dampen vibrational forces from the resiliently mounted engine, preventing them from reaching the rigidly mounted alternator while maintaining reliable power transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The gearbox changes the transmission parameters by using gear ratios to modify the rotational speed and torque between the engine shaft and alternator rotor. This parameter transformation allows the system to accommodate engine movements while maintaining stable alternator operation.
3Device complexity
If a direct shaft connection is used between engine and alternator, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate engine replacement with resilient mounting
Solution Approach 1:
The gearbox assembly provides multiple functions within a single component: it transmits power from the engine to the alternator, accommodates resilient engine mounting, absorbs vibrations, and maintains stable connection to the rigidly mounted alternator. This multi-functionality replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The gearbox assembly introduces dynamic capability to the connection system. The bearing assemblies allow for controlled movements and vibrations from the resiliently mounted engine while maintaining stable power transmission to the alternator, transforming a static direct connection into a dynamic adaptable system.
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
Enables the replacement of engines while maintaining efficient rotation transfer and reducing vibrations, ensuring the alternator and engine operate effectively without requiring disassembly or modification of existing components.
Implementation Method 1
a closed loop lubrication system fluidly coupled with an interior chamber inside the housing and configured to be fluidly coupled with a liquid lubrication circuit of the engine. The closed loop lubrication system is configured to direct lubricant in the engine into the interior chamber of the housing and to direct the lubricant exiting the interior chamber back to the liquid lubrication circuit of the engine.
Data Source
AI summary
An engine system includes a gearbox assembly that includes a housing having plural interconnected gears disposed between an engine side of the housing and an alternator side of the housing, a rotatable engine coupler connected with the engine side of the housing, the engine coupler configured to engage a rotatable shaft of an engine, and a rotatable alternator coupler connected with the alternator side of the housing, the alternator coupler configured to engage a rotor of a first alternator. The housing is configured to be positioned between the engine and the first alternator. The engine coupler is configured to engage the engine that is resiliently mounted in the powered system and the alternator coupler is configured to engage the first alternator that is rigidly mounted in the powered system to transfer rotation of the shaft of the engine to rotation of the rotor of the first alternator.