Generator Drive Disconnect Device Preliminary Shutdown

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drive disconnect devices face high torque and frictional forces when disconnecting a generator from a prime mover, leading to increased weight and potential mechanical stress due to the generator remaining online during disconnection.

Innovation Solution

The drive disconnect device incorporates a mechanism to shut down or isolate the electrical generator, reducing torque transmission by interrupting exciter current, using a release element with a lock and detent system, and employing a rack and pinion gear for easy reset, along with low friction coatings and ball bearings to minimize frictional forces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the generator remains online during disconnection, then continuous power generation is maintained, but high torque and frictional forces increase weight and mechanical stress

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous power generationVSAvoidweight of disconnect device

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by shutting down the generator and interrupting exciter current before the mechanical disconnection occurs. This sequence reduces the torque load on the drive transfer element during the disconnect operation, allowing for lighter spring forces and reduced contact forces on load bearing surfaces, thereby reducing overall device weight while maintaining reliability through proper shutdown procedure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the generator remains online during disconnection, then power generation continues, but frictional forces increase mechanical stress

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous power generationVSAvoidmechanical stress on components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by shutting down the generator and interrupting exciter current before the mechanical disconnection occurs. This sequence reduces the torque load on the drive transfer element during the disconnect operation, allowing for lighter spring forces and reduced contact forces on load bearing surfaces, thereby reducing overall device weight while maintaining reliability through proper shutdown procedure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If stronger compression springs are used to ensure engagement, then reliable connection is achieved, but device weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengagement reliabilityVSAvoidweight of springs

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by shutting down the generator and interrupting exciter current before the mechanical disconnection occurs. This sequence reduces the torque load on the drive transfer element during the disconnect operation, allowing for lighter spring forces and reduced contact forces on load bearing surfaces, thereby reducing overall device weight while maintaining reliability through proper shutdown procedure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 reduces the forces required for disconnection, leading to weight savings and extended service life by minimizing friction and wear, while allowing for efficient and controlled disconnection of the generator from the prime mover.

Implementation Method 1

The drive transfer element is biased into engagement with the input shaft via a compression spring

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic potential energy storage and release: Spring

Implementation Method 2

the solenoid is operated, and thus the pin is moved under the action of the spring to disengage from the release element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Solenoid

Implementation Method 3

employing a rack and pinion gear for easy reset, along with low friction coatings and ball bearings to minimize frictional forces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction reduction: Lubrication

Implementation Method 4

employing a rack and pinion gear for easy reset, along with low friction coatings and ball bearings to minimize frictional forces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRolling contact: Ball Bearing

Data Source

PatentUS8162122B2Drive disconnect device

Publication Date: 2012.04.24 SAFRAN POWER UK

AI summary

A drive disconnect device for releasably connecting an electrical generator to a drive shaft, the drive disconnect device comprising an output shaft and at least one drive transfer element movable from a first position where it drivingly connects the drive shaft and the output shaft to a second position where the driving connection is removed, wherein operation of the disconnect device causes the electrical generator to become electrically isolated or excitation for the generator to be inhibited.