Electrically Insulated Coupling for Torque Transfer and EMC
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing torque-transmitting coupling devices for electric machines suffer from reduced electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) due to abrasion of coatings used to discharge bearing currents and shaft voltages, leading to impaired performance over time.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device with a drive element and an output element electrically disconnected by a low-conductivity electric insulator, such as a stainless steel coating, prevents the transmission of electromagnetic influences, ensuring improved EMC and high service life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a coating is applied to the outer circumference of the coupling device to discharge electromagnetic currents, then electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) is improved, but the coating is abraded over time and EMC deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful conductive coating from the coupling device and replaces it with an electric insulator that has low electric conductivity. This eliminates the coating material that causes abrasion while maintaining the electromagnetic compatibility function through the insulating properties of the new material.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electric conductivity parameter of the coupling device by replacing the conductive coating with an insulating material having low electric conductivity (less than 10^7 S/m, preferably less than 10^6 S/m, with preference for less than 10^4 S/m). This parameter change maintains EMC performance while eliminating the abrasion issue associated with coatings.
2Power
If the drive element and output element are electrically connected to transmit torque, then torque transmission is enabled, but bearing currents and shaft voltages are transmitted causing electromagnetic disruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an electric insulator as an intermediary component between the drive element and output element. This insulator mechanically connects the two elements for torque transmission while electrically isolating them to prevent the transmission of bearing currents and shaft voltages, thus eliminating electromagnetic disruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The electric insulator is made from composite materials or materials with specific properties combining mechanical strength for torque transmission and low electric conductivity for electrical isolation. Examples include stainless steel and other materials with controlled conductivity properties.
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 effectively insulates against electromagnetic currents, maintaining high EMC and enabling reliable torque transmission even under high loads, with a durable and cost-effective design.
Implementation Method 1
the drive element and the output element are disconnected electrically from one another by way of an electric insulator... an electric insulator has a low electric conductivity
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling device for the torque-transmitting connection of a transmission with an electric machine, includes a drive element and an output element which are coupled with each other in a torque-transmitting manner. The drive element and the output element are electrically separated from each other by way of an electrical insulator.