Generator Input Shaft Assembly for Misalignment Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing disconnect devices for aircraft generators suffer from misalignment issues between the generator input shaft and engine output shaft, leading to accelerated wear and reduced reliability, particularly in the absence of lubrication, which can impede the disconnect mechanism's functionality.
Innovation Solution
A generator input shaft assembly that allows axial floating and non-parallel rotation relative to the disconnect input shaft, coupled with a fluid circuit for lubrication, ensuring reliable operation even in misaligned conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the generator input shaft is rigidly connected to the disconnect input shaft, then the structural stability is improved, but misalignment causes accelerated wear and reduced reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The generator input shaft is designed to float axially relative to the disconnect input shaft, allowing dynamic adjustment to accommodate misalignment between the engine output shaft and generator input shaft. This dynamic positioning capability prevents accelerated wear while maintaining structural integrity during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows the generator input shaft to change its axial position parameter dynamically, enabling it to compensate for misalignment conditions. This parameter change capability ensures reliable operation even when alignment conditions vary, preventing wear without requiring rigid fixed positioning.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If lubrication is provided to the drive transfer means, then wear is reduced and service life is extended, but the device complexity increases due to additional fluid circuit components
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid circuit is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides lubrication to the drive transfer means, cools the generator components, and enables axial movement of the generator input shaft. By combining these functions into a single integrated system, the patent reduces overall device complexity while extending service life through proper lubrication.
Solution Approach 2:
The floating generator input shaft design allows the system to self-adjust and self-lubricate through the fluid circuit without requiring additional complex control mechanisms. The system automatically maintains lubrication where needed while accommodating misalignment, reducing the need for external monitoring and adjustment systems.
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
The solution enhances the reliability and durability of the disconnect device by compensating for misalignment and providing adequate lubrication, thereby extending the service life and ensuring consistent performance.
Implementation Method 1
the disconnect input shaft is rotatably mounted to a housing of the generator via a bearing and is journaled to rotate about the rotor axis by the bearing
Implementation Method 2
a fluid circuit for lubrication, ensuring reliable operation even in misaligned conditions
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a generator input shaft assembly comprising a generator input shaft (160) arranged to receive a drive input to the generator, and a disconnect input shaft (120) arranged to deliver a drive input from the generator input shaft to a disconnectable drive transfer means (116). The disconnectable drive transfer means is configured to transfer rotational drive from the generator input shaft assembly to a rotor (110) of the generator. The generator input shaft assembly is configured such that the generator input shaft can: float axially relative to the disconnect input shaft and/or drive the disconnect input shaft with an axis of rotation of the generator input shaft non-parallel to an axis of rotation of the disconnect input shaft, so as to compensate for a misaligned input to the generator input shaft. Other aspects of the invention relate to a generator and a system comprising the generator input shaft assembly.