Integrated Shell Rotor Assembly for Control Moment Gyroscope
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional control moment gyroscopes (CMGs) are limited by the structural integrity of their weld joints, which restrict the rotational speed of the shell rotor assembly due to high stress and fatigue, thereby limiting the potential for downsizing without compromising performance.
Innovation Solution
The shell rotor assembly integrates the rim and shell members as a single, contiguous piece of metal, eliminating the need for weld joints at high-stress areas and allowing for a more robust connection that can withstand higher rotational speeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If the shell rotor assembly is downsized to reduce mass and size, then the CMG's mass and size are reduced, but the rotational speed must be increased which exceeds the structural tolerance of weld joints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the rim and shell members into a single integrated component formed from one continuous piece of metal. This eliminates the weld joints between separate rim and shell components, removing the weak points that limited rotational speed. The integrated structure allows the CMG to be downsized while withstanding the higher stresses of increased rotational speed.
2Speed
If the rotational speed of the shell rotor assembly is increased to maintain torque capability after downsizing, then the angular momentum is maintained, but the weld joints experience excessive stress and fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the rim and shell members into a single integral structure, the patent eliminates weld joints that were susceptible to fatigue and failure at high rotational speeds. The continuous metal structure distributes stresses more evenly throughout the component, enabling reliable operation at the higher speeds required for downsized CMGs.
3Ease of manufacture
If weld joints are used to join the rim to the shell members, then the assembly is easier to manufacture, but the weld joints create weak points that limit maximum rotational speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by forming the rim and shell members as a single integrated component from one continuous piece of metal. This eliminates the need for weld joints entirely, removing the weak points that limited rotational speed while still allowing for efficient manufacturing through processes like forging or casting of the integrated structure.
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 design enables the shell rotor assembly to spin at faster rates, maintaining or enhancing torque capability while reducing the overall mass and size, thus addressing the limitations imposed by conventional weld joint weaknesses.
Implementation Method 1
Gyroscopes are spinning bodies, such as wheels or discs that generate angular momentum as they spin about an axis
Implementation Method 2
As described by the law of conservation of angular momentum, this change in the angular momentum vector of the gyroscope will in turn create an opposite but equal change in the angular momentum vector of the spacecraft
Implementation Method 3
The shell rotor assembly's structural ability to tolerate the forces and stresses of high speed rotation
Data Source
AI summary
A shell rotor assembly for use in a control moment gyroscope herein. The shell rotor assembly includes, but is not limited to, a first shell member having a first wall portion and a first rim portion formed integrally with one another and a second shell member having a second wall portion and a second rim portion formed integrally with one another. The first rim portion and the second rim portion are attached to one another.