Integrated Magnetic Bearing Assembly With Flux Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing active magnetic bearing systems for rotary machines are bulky, complex, and difficult to assemble and integrate, with complicated maintenance and replacement processes due to their intricate structure and electrical connections.
Innovation Solution
An active magnetic bearing apparatus comprising an integrated axial and radial magnetic bearing units mounted directly to a support, with electromagnetic shielding and auxiliary coils to reduce magnetic flux leakage, allowing for compact design and simplified assembly and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate axial and radial magnetic bearing assemblies are used, then the rotor can be supported in both axial and radial directions, but the system becomes bulky and complex with difficult assembly and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate axial and radial magnetic bearing assemblies into a single integrated active magnetic bearing assembly. The axial magnetic bearing unit and radial magnetic bearing unit are mounted directly to one another, sharing common components including the support structure, electrical connections, and control systems. This merging reduces the overall number of components, simplifies the structure, and makes assembly and maintenance easier while maintaining the capability to support rotor loads in both axial and radial directions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex electrical connections are implemented for full functionality, then the bearing system can dynamically adjust magnetic field strength and shape, but maintenance and replacement become complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated design merges the electrical connection systems of the axial and radial magnetic bearing units into a single unified connection interface. This allows the entire active magnetic bearing assembly to be treated as one modular unit for maintenance purposes. The shared support structure and consolidated electrical connections reduce the number of individual connection points that require maintenance, making the system easier to service while preserving the dynamic magnetic field control capability through the integrated coil assemblies.
3Volume of moving object
If axial and radial magnetic bearing units are mounted directly to one another, then the overall structure becomes more compact, but electromagnetic interference between units may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces electromagnetic shielding as an intermediary element between the axial and radial magnetic bearing units. The shielding is integrated into the support structure that mounts the two units directly to one another. This intermediary shielding layer blocks electromagnetic interference between the closely-spaced units while allowing the compact integrated structure to maintain its space-saving advantages. The support structure itself serves as the mounting intermediary that physically connects the units while incorporating the electromagnetic protection.
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
Facilitates easier assembly, integration, and maintenance of magnetic bearing systems, reducing electromagnetic interference and enabling a more efficient, compact structure for rotary machines.
Implementation Method 1
active magnetic bearing systems are known for supporting the load of a rotor of a rotary machine such as a compressor using magnetic levitation
Implementation Method 2
radial magnetic bearing systems are designed to support the radial load of a rotor, for example by constraining radial displacements of the rotor
Implementation Method 3
The strength and/or shape of a supporting magnetic field generated by an active magnetic bearing system can be adjusted dynamically in response to sensed changes in the position of a rotor
Implementation Method 4
one or more shielding components for electromagnetically shielding the support and electromagnetic components of the axial magnetic bearing unit and/or the radial magnetic bearing unit from one another
Data Source
AI summary
An active magnetic bearing apparatus for supporting a rotor of a rotary machine comprises an axial magnetic bearing unit and a radial magnetic bearing unit mounted directly to one another. One of the axial magnetic bearing unit and the radial magnetic bearing unit is mounted to a support for attachment to a housing of the rotary machine.