Generator Shaft Retainer Assembly to Prevent Axial Disengagement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional generator shaft assemblies lack improved reliability and economic viability, necessitating a solution that enhances stability and functionality, particularly in the engagement and disengagement mechanism.

Innovation Solution

The generator shaft assembly incorporates a retainer ring with an inner and outer flange, a groove defined by splines, and a snap ring seated within the retainer ring, utilizing 300m steel for the retainer member, which limits axial motion and prevents unintended disengagement, ensuring stability and reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional generator shaft assembly is used, then the basic engagement and disengagement function is provided, but the reliability is insufficient and unintended disengagement may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovereliabilityVSAvoidcomplexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The retainer member is divided into a retainer ring and a retainer keeper, creating separate functional segments. The retainer ring provides the primary retention structure while the retainer keeper provides additional securing through the snap ring mechanism, thereby improving reliability through segmented protection against unintended disengagement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The retainer keeper is pre-positioned on the disconnect shaft with the snap ring engaged in the retainer ring groove before final assembly. This preliminary positioning ensures that the retention mechanism is already prepared and configured to prevent unintended disengagement before the generator shaft assembly is fully assembled into service

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Stability of the object's composition

If the retainer member design is simplified, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but stability and prevention of unintended disengagement is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestabilityVSAvoidease of manufacture

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The retainer keeper is nested within the retainer ring structure, with the snap ring seated in the groove of the retainer ring. This nested configuration provides enhanced stability and prevention of unintended disengagement while maintaining manufacturing efficiency by using standard nested component assembly techniques

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The snap ring acts as an intermediary element between the retainer keeper and the retainer ring, providing a mechanical interference fit that prevents unintended disengagement. This intermediary component enables stable retention while allowing for relatively simple manufacturing of each individual part

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3913250B1Generator shaft assembly

Publication Date: 2023.06.28 HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORP

Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 2c~2d

AI summary

A generator shaft assembly including a primary shaft (106), a disconnect shaft (108) housed within the primary shaft, where a first end of the disconnect shaft is configured to couple with the primary mover and a second end of the disconnect shaft is configured to mate with the generator. A retainer ring (116) housed within the primary shaft having at least a landing (118) and a groove (120) on an inner surface thereof and a retainer member (124) positioned between the landing of the retainer ring and an outer surface of the disconnect shaft configured to limit axial motion of the disconnect shaft relative to the primary shaft.