High-Pressure Magnetic Coupling Shrouds for Clean Torque Transfer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid pump systems in aircraft and gas turbine engines face challenges in efficiently managing high-pressure thermal management systems, particularly in transferring heat between fluids while minimizing physical size and ensuring cleanliness of the heat exchange fluid.
Innovation Solution
The development of high-pressure magnetic coupling shrouds and associated pump systems that utilize magnetic couplings to transfer torque between shafts without physical contact, integrated with bearing systems and sprag clutches for dynamic support, and include barrier cans and oil separators to maintain fluid containment and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If magnetic coupling is used to transfer torque without physical contact, then fluid contamination is prevented and reliability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase due to tight tolerances needed for proper magnetic coupling operation
Solution Approach 1:
A non-magnetic barrier can is introduced as an intermediary component between the magnetic coupling halves, allowing magnetic field transmission while preventing fluid contamination and accommodating manufacturing tolerances in the magnetic coupling operation
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier can is designed as a thin-walled structure that is flexible enough to accommodate misalignment and tolerance variations while maintaining fluid containment, allowing the magnetic coupling to operate effectively despite manufacturing imperfections
2Power
If tight tolerances are specified for magnetic coupling operation, then torque transfer efficiency is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier can serves as a mediator that decouples the tolerance requirements from the magnetic coupling operation, allowing efficient torque transfer without requiring complex manufacturing processes
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic coupling system is segmented into separate components (barrier can, magnetic coupling halves) that can be manufactured independently with standard tolerances and assembled together, reducing overall manufacturing complexity
3Reliability
If conventional fluid seal arrangements are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but fluid contamination and loss occur reducing system reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical fluid sealing system is replaced with a magnetic coupling mechanism that transfers torque through magnetic fields without physical contact, eliminating fluid contamination while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through the use of standard barrier can components
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 enables effective heat transfer and fluid management under high pressures, reducing system size and preventing fluid contamination, thereby enhancing the performance and reliability of thermal management systems in aircraft and gas turbine engines.
Implementation Method 1
utilize magnetic couplings to transfer torque between shafts without physical contact
Data Source
AI summary
High pressure magnetic coupling shrouds and methods of producing the same are disclosed herein. An example shroud disclosed herein includes an inner shell including a thermoplastic composite or a metal, and an outer shell including a composite material.