Nested Oil Drainage Pipe Assembly for Wind Turbine Gearboxes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drainage pipes in wind turbine gearboxes are susceptible to defects and leaks due to low mechanical strength, are costly to manufacture, and difficult to install, particularly when compensating for manufacturing tolerances and load-induced deformations.

Innovation Solution

A nested pipeline design with two interlocking pipe sections that allow for relative movement along a central axis, featuring a fluid-tight seal and simple plug connection, enabling compensation for dimensional deviations and deformations while maintaining mechanical robustness and ease of installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a permanent magnet is placed in a borehole to enable magnetic drilling, then drilling capability is improved, but the magnet becomes coated with iron particles that reduces magnetic attraction and requires frequent replacement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrilling capabilityVSAvoidmagnetic attraction strength
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The permanent magnet is divided into multiple segments that can be individually removed and replaced. Each segment becomes clogged independently, allowing partial replacement rather than complete replacement of the entire magnet assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a system where worn or clogged magnet segments are discarded and replaced with fresh segments. The drill bit assembly can be quickly disassembled to remove depleted magnet segments and install new ones, recovering drilling capability without replacing the entire tool.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

2Productivity

If the drill bit is designed to be disposable to maintain drilling efficiency, then drilling performance is improved, but the cost and waste increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrilling efficiencyVSAvoidmaterial waste
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The drill bit is segmented into modular components including the body, cutting elements, and magnet segments. Only the magnet segments and cutting elements wear out and need replacement, while the drill bit body can be reused multiple times, reducing overall material waste.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables selective replacement of only the worn components (magnet segments and cutting elements) rather than discarding the entire drill bit. The reusable drill bit body is recovered and reused, significantly reducing material loss and waste.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Duration of action of stationary object

If magnet segments are made removable and replaceable, then maintenance frequency is reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnet operational lifeVSAvoiddrill bit structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The magnet assembly is segmented into multiple independent segments that can be individually accessed and replaced. This segmentation allows maintenance of individual segments without affecting the entire magnet assembly, extending operational life while keeping the replacement process manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The drill bit design incorporates universal features such as standardized segments, a reusable body, and multiple cutting element options that can be interchanged. This multi-functionality allows the same drill bit body to accommodate different magnet and cutting element configurations, reducing overall system complexity despite the modular design.

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

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 nested pipeline design provides a mechanically robust, cost-effective solution that compensates for manufacturing tolerances and deformations, reducing the risk of leaks and installation complexity.

Implementation Method 1

a permanent magnet is placed in the borehole to enable magnetic drilling

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

the magnet becomes coated with iron particles that reduces magnetic attraction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP3887693B1Oil drainage
Publication Date: 2026.04.29 ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
  • EP3887693B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3887693B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to an assembly comprising a transmission housing (101) and a pipeline (111), wherein the transmission housing (101) forms a lubricant sump, and wherein a first piece (201) and a second piece (203) of the pipeline (111) each feed into the lubricant sump. The first piece (201) and the second piece (203) are inserted into one another.