Generator Shaft Assembly With Retained Disconnect Shaft

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional generator shaft assemblies lack improved reliability and economic viability in ensuring proper engagement and disengagement functionality.

Innovation Solution

A generator shaft assembly with a primary shaft housing a disconnect shaft, featuring a retainer ring and retainer member to limit axial motion, and a snap ring for enhanced stability, where the retainer member is made of 300M steel and includes an inner and outer flange for secure engagement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a disconnect shaft is used within the primary shaft to provide engagement and disengagement function, then the generator shaft can be disengaged from the generator, but unintended disengagement may occur reducing reliability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengagement and disengagement functionVSAvoidunintended disengagement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The retainer member is pre-positioned between the retainer ring and the disconnect shaft before operation, creating a preliminary mechanical barrier that prevents unintended axial movement and disengagement of the disconnect shaft from the primary shaft

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The retainer member acts as an intermediary component between the disconnect shaft and the retainer ring, mediating the axial motion control and preventing direct unintended disengagement while allowing controlled engagement and disengagement operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If conventional retainer components are used to limit axial motion of the disconnect shaft, then the assembly structure is simple, but the reliability and stability are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly structureVSAvoidaxial motion control

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The retainer member is constructed from 300M steel, a high-strength alloy steel material that provides superior mechanical properties including higher tensile strength and toughness compared to conventional materials, thereby enhancing the reliability and stability of axial motion control while maintaining structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The retainer member features localized geometric characteristics including a specific profile shape and dimensional features designed to optimally engage with both the retainer ring and the disconnect shaft, providing enhanced mechanical interlocking and more reliable axial motion control at critical locations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS11920638B2Generator shaft assembly

Publication Date: 2024.03.05 HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORP

AI summary

A generator shaft assembly including a primary shaft, a disconnect shaft 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 housed within the primary shaft having at least a landing and a groove on an inner surface thereof and a retainer member 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.