Hydraulic Brake Rotor Decoupling via Pressurizing Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotational systems in gas turbine engines and electric generators lack effective mechanisms for decoupling rotors in response to excessive rotational speed, temperature, coolant loss, or lubrication fluid pressure issues, which can lead to mechanical failure and loss of control.
Innovation Solution
A rotational system with a fluid circuit and pressurizing valve configuration that increases differential pressure to apply braking torque and decouple rotors, utilizing a disconnector mechanism such as a shear section or clutch assembly, actuated by a controller to manage operational conditions and prevent damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the rotational system operates continuously without decoupling mechanism, then productivity is maintained, but reliability deteriorates due to risk of mechanical failure from excessive speed, temperature, or fluid loss
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft assembly is divided into multiple shaft segments that can be rotationally decoupled from each other. The first shaft segment connects to the first rotor, the second shaft segment connects to the second rotor, and they are separable through the disconnect mechanism activated by the pressurizing valve, allowing independent operation or isolation of components.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressurizing valve and disconnect mechanism are pre-configured in the system before operation. When abnormal conditions are detected (excessive speed, temperature, or fluid loss), the controller can immediately activate the disconnect mechanism without requiring external intervention, preventing mechanical failure before it occurs.
2Reliability
If a decoupling mechanism is added to the rotational system, then reliability is improved through rotor decoupling capability, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid circuit system serves multiple functions: it provides hydraulic actuation for the disconnect mechanism, supplies braking torque through the fluid pump, and enables rotational decoupling of rotors. The pressurizing valve integrates pressure control and decoupling activation in a single component, reducing the need for separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses hydraulic actuation through the fluid pump and pressurizing valve to activate the disconnect mechanism. High-pressure fluid generated by the pump actuates the first and second shaft segments to decouple, providing a compact and efficient means of achieving rotor separation without complex mechanical linkages.
3Force
If the pressurizing valve is closed to increase pressure differential, then braking torque is improved for decoupling, but energy loss increases due to pressure buildup
Solution Approach 1:
The pressurizing valve operates in periodic cycles rather than continuously. It closes briefly to generate the pressure differential needed for braking torque and rotor decoupling, then opens to release pressure. This periodic operation provides the necessary force while minimizing energy loss from sustained pressure buildup.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure buildup phase is executed quickly and briefly only when decoupling is required. The system rushes through the high-pressure state necessary for braking torque generation and immediately transitions to the low-pressure state, minimizing the duration of energy loss while achieving the required decoupling force.
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 system effectively decouples rotors to prevent mechanical failure by applying controlled braking torque, ensuring safe operation and preventing damage from excessive conditions like high speed or coolant loss, thereby enhancing system reliability and safety.
Implementation Method 1
raising a pressure differential across a fluid pump driven by a shaft assembly thereby applying an increased braking torque to the shaft assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A rotational system can include a shaft assembly rotationally coupling a first rotor, a second rotor, and a fluid pump. A fluid circuit can include the fluid pump that can be configured to motivate a working fluid through the fluid circuit. A pressurizing valve can be disposed downstream of the fluid pump wherein the rotational system can be configured to rotationally decouple the first rotor from the second rotor by closing the pressurizing valve. The pressurizing valve can be actuated by a controller. A method can include raising a pressure differential across a fluid pump driven by a shaft assembly thereby applying an increased braking torque to the shaft assembly. The pressure differential can be raised by actuating a valve in hydraulic communication with the fluid pump. The shaft assembly can rotationally couple a first rotor with a second rotor, and increasing the braking torque can decouple the rotors.