Nested Diode Rectifier for Aircraft Generator Electrostatic Discharge
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional diode packs in direct drive and integrated drive generators for aircraft face challenges with electrostatic charge accumulation due to lubricant flow, leading to potential diode failure from electrostatic discharge, especially during engine lubricant changes.
Innovation Solution
A rectifier design with angled diode faces and nested diode plates, along with an oil transfer tube bushing for grounding, reduces surface area exposure to static charge and provides a path for electrostatic discharge, preventing damage to diode components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional diode packs are used in direct drive generators, then the rectifier can convert AC to DC electrical power, but electrostatic charge accumulation from lubricant flow causes diode failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful electrostatic charge from the diode pack by introducing a grounding system through the rotor shaft and transfer tube, removing the charge accumulation problem while maintaining the rectifier's electrical power conversion function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary grounding path consisting of the rotor shaft and transfer tube that mediates between the lubricant flow and the diode pack, providing a controlled path for electrostatic discharge that protects the diodes from charge accumulation damage
2Object-affected harmful factors
If diode plates are nested to reduce surface area exposure, then electrostatic charge accumulation is reduced, but the rectifier structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by placing diode plates in a nested arrangement where smaller plates are positioned within the axial space of larger plates, reducing the total surface area exposed to lubricant flow and electrostatic charge while maintaining electrical functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a planar arrangement of diode plates to a three-dimensional nested configuration, utilizing axial and radial dimensions to minimize surface area exposure to harmful electrostatic fields while preserving the rectifier's electrical power conversion capability
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 limits electrostatic charge accumulation, preventing diode failure and ensuring reliable operation by grounding the rectifier, thus enhancing the durability and reliability of the diode pack.
Implementation Method 1
An end of the oil transfer tube bushing can be electrically connected to the diode through the first diode for grounding the diode through the oil transfer tube bushing
Data Source
AI summary
A rectifier includes a diode with an anode face and an opposed cathode face that are both angled in relation to a rotation axis of the diode. A first diode plate overlays the diode anode face. A second diode plate overlays the opposed diode cathode face. The first and second diode plates are nested with one another such that portions of the diode plates axially overlap one another along a length of the diode rotation axis.