Helicopter Generator Speed Multiplication via Intermediary Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical generators for helicopters, particularly those mounted on rotating structures, face limitations in power production due to the slow rotation of the main rotor mast and the complexity and reliability issues associated with slip rings.
Innovation Solution
An electrical generator assembly featuring a central rotatable shaft with a winding assembly and a rotatable permanent magnet assembly, driven by a system that creates a relative rotational speed between the magnet and winding assemblies greater than the absolute rotational speed of the mast, allowing for increased power generation without the need for slip rings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a generator is mounted on a rotating structure with slow rotation speed, then the generator can be directly driven by the rotation, but the power production is limited due to the slow rotational speed
Solution Approach 1:
A drive system acts as an intermediary between the slowly rotating mast and the generator's permanent magnet assembly. This drive system increases the rotational speed of the permanent magnet assembly relative to the winding assembly, enabling the generator to produce sufficient power despite the slow rotation of the mast itself
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the rotational speed parameter of the permanent magnet assembly by introducing a drive system with a speed multiplication mechanism. This allows the generator to operate at optimal speeds for power generation while the mast rotates at its naturally slow speed
2Power
If slip rings are used to transfer power to the rotating mast, then power can be delivered to rotating components, but the system complexity and operating costs increase while reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the slip ring component from the system by mounting the generator's winding assembly directly on the rotating mast. This allows the generator to produce power directly on the rotating structure without needing to transfer power through slip rings, thereby reducing complexity and improving reliability
3Power
If the permanent magnet assembly rotates at the same speed as the mast, then the generator structure is simple, but the relative rotational speed between magnet and winding is insufficient for adequate power generation
Solution Approach 1:
The drive system creates a dynamic relationship between the mast rotation and the permanent magnet assembly rotation. The permanent magnet assembly rotates at a different speed than the mast, establishing a variable relative rotational speed that optimizes power generation while the system adapts to the mast's rotation
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 configuration enhances power production by increasing the relative rotational speed, enabling generators of a given size and weight to produce more power, while reducing complexity and improving reliability compared to traditional systems.
Implementation Method 1
a rotatable permanent magnet assembly adjacent the winding assembly and in use cooperating therewith to induce a current in the winding assembly
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical generator assembly including a central rotatable shaft (12) having a winding assembly (26) mounted thereto for rotation therewith, a rotatable permanent magnet assembly (28) surrounding the winding assembly (26) adjacent thereto and in use cooperating therewith to induce a current in the winding assembly (26), and a drive system (38, 138, 238, 338, 438) drivingly interconnecting the central shaft (12) and the permanent magnet assembly (28), the drive system (38, 138, 238, 338, 438) defining a relative rotational speed between the permanent magnet assembly (28) and the winding assembly (26) which is greater than an absolute rotational speed of the winding assembly (26). A method of powering an electrical system (22) on a rotating rotor blade (18) supported by a rotating mast (12) is also discussed.