Magnetic Coupling Cooling System with Segmented Fluid Circuits

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cooling systems for magnetic coupling type drive devices in stirred tank equipment are complex and costly, requiring multiple bores for lubricant circulation and heat exchange, and compromise on lubrication and cooling functions due to a single fluid performing both roles, making it difficult to achieve effective cooling.

Innovation Solution

A simplified cooling system using a transport fluid that circulates through communication holes and channeling means within the casing, separating lubrication and cooling functions, with a separate cooling fluid circuit or ambient air for heat exchange, allowing for low viscosity fluids to facilitate easy circulation and efficient heat removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single lubricant is used to perform both lubrication and cooling functions, then the device can operate with a simpler fluid system, but the cooling efficiency is compromised due to the high viscosity requirement for proper lubrication

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid system complexityVSAvoidcooling efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the fluid system into two separate circuits: a lubrication circuit with high viscosity fluid for bearing lubrication, and a cooling circuit with low viscosity coolant for heat removal. This segmentation allows each fluid to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between system simplicity and cooling efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a heat exchanger as an intermediary component between the lubrication circuit and cooling circuit. The heat exchanger transfers heat from the lubricant to the coolant without requiring the two fluids to mix, enabling efficient cooling while maintaining separate optimized fluid systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Temperature

If multiple bores are provided in the casing for lubricant circulation and heat exchange, then cooling and lubrication can be achieved, but the manufacturing cost and device complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The casing is designed with multi-functional elements: the same casing structure houses both the lubrication bearings and the cooling heat exchanger, while the partition wall serves both to separate the two fluid circuits and to provide mounting surfaces. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components and complex bore configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the lubrication and cooling systems within a single integrated casing structure, sharing common elements such as the partition wall and fluid passages. This merging approach reduces manufacturing complexity compared to providing completely separate systems with multiple independent bores.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If the lubricant is kept under pressure to maintain lubrication function while also serving as cooling fluid, then lubrication performance is maintained, but the system becomes more complex to operate and control

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelubrication performanceVSAvoidsystem operation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the pressurized lubrication system from the atmospheric cooling system. The lubrication circuit maintains pressure for reliable bearing lubrication, while the cooling circuit operates at atmospheric pressure for simpler operation. The heat exchanger enables thermal coupling between the two independently operated systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The heat exchanger acts as an intermediary that allows the pressurized lubrication system to transfer heat to the atmospheric cooling system without requiring the cooling system to operate under pressure. This intermediary component enables the cooling function while maintaining simple atmospheric pressure operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution reduces the complexity and cost of cooling systems, enabling effective heat management without compromising lubrication or cooling performance, allowing for efficient operation of stirred tank equipment.

Implementation Method 1

a transport fluid for transporting heat... circulation means for circulating said transport fluid inside said casing, and evacuation means for evacuating the heat from said transport fluid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transport: Convection

Implementation Method 2

said inner and outer parts being respectively provided with permanent magnets arranged facing each other and allowing the transmission of a driving torque from the driving shaft to the rotating shaft

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic coupling: Magnetism

Implementation Method 3

evacuation means for evacuating the heat from said transport fluid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Data Source

PatentEP2180583B1Device with mixing vessel
Publication Date: 2012.08.08 BIAZZI
  • EP2180583B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2180583B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2180583B1 patent drawingFigure 3~6

AI summary

The cooling device of a drive device (30) of the type magnetic coupling of a rotating shaft (22), comprising an internal part (32) and an external part (34) and housed in a casing (40), includes circulation means (82, 84, 86, 88, 90) for circulating, inside the casing (40), a transport fluid (62) which is in contact with the external part (34) without being in contact with the internal part (32) or with the rotating shaft (22), and discharge means (92, 94, 110) for discharging the heat of said transport fluid (62). Application to a mixing tank apparatus (10) of the type comprising a rotating shaft (22) driving an agitator (18) in axial rotation within a mixing tank (12).