Oil Bushing Ring for Contactless Power in Planetary Carriers
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in condition monitoring of planet slide bearings in wind turbine gearboxes lies in the power supply to rotating components, where traditional methods like energy storage systems and inductive couplers are inadequate due to service life requirements and operational limitations, especially in the 'pendling' mode.
Innovation Solution
An arrangement featuring a structure affixed to the housing with a rotatably mounted planetary carrier, an oil bushing ring forming a lubricant-conducting joint, and contactless power transmission using coils and magnets or inductive couplers, ensuring reliable power supply and data transfer over the entire service life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If energy storage systems such as batteries are used for power supply, then power can be provided to rotating components, but the service life requirement of 20 years cannot be met and the components become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical energy storage systems (batteries) with a contactless electromagnetic power transmission system. Inductive couplers transmit electrical energy wirelessly from the stationary housing to the rotating planetary carrier through magnetic coupling, eliminating the need for batteries and their associated service life limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces inductive couplers as an intermediary medium for power transmission. These couplers enable energy transfer between stationary and rotating components through magnetic fields without direct mechanical or electrical contact, solving the service life problem while maintaining continuous power supply.
2Use of energy by moving object
If slip rings are used for power transmission between rotating components, then power can be transmitted continuously, but the service life requirement of 20 years cannot be met
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical slip ring system with a contactless inductive coupling system. Electrical energy is transmitted through magnetic fields between stationary transmitter coils and rotating receiver coils, eliminating mechanical wear and contact degradation that limit slip ring service life.
3Use of energy by moving object
If inductive couplers in annular embodiment are used, then power transmission is possible, but they are not available in the dimensions of a planetary carrier
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power transmission system into multiple discrete inductive coupler units distributed around the planetary carrier. Instead of requiring a single large annular inductive coupler, several smaller coupler units are positioned at different locations, making the system manufacturable and installable on existing planetary carrier dimensions.
4Use of energy by moving object
If inductive couplers in rod-shaped embodiment are used, then power transmission is possible, but the power is not transmitted continuously requiring a buffer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures continuous power transmission by distributing multiple inductive coupler units around the planetary carrier at different angular positions. This arrangement guarantees that at least one coupler pair remains in optimal alignment during rotation, providing uninterrupted power flow without requiring energy buffers.
5Ease of manufacture
If a U-shaped oil bushing ring is used to transfer oil, then lubrication is provided, but oil collects in the cavity and cannot drain off when the planetary carrier is mounted vertically
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the oil bushing ring design by incorporating inclined surfaces and drainage pathways that guide oil flow in multiple dimensions. The oil flow is directed along the inclined surfaces toward designated drainage points, preventing accumulation in the cavity and enabling effective drainage even in vertical mounting configurations.
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 provides a permanent, independent power supply and data transfer capability, even in the 'pendling' mode, ensuring reliable condition monitoring of planet slide bearings with reduced installation complexity and increased reliability.
Implementation Method 1
first means and a second means for contactless power transmission. The transmitter is thus designed to transmit power contactlessly to the receiver
Data Source
AI summary
An arrangement includes a structure affixed to a housing, a planetary carrier mounted rotatably in the structure affixed to the housing, an oil bushing ring, and a first means and a second means for contactless power transmission. The oil bushing ring forms a lubricant-conducting joint between the structure affixed to the housing and the planetary carrier. The structure affixed to the housing has the first means and the oil bushing ring has the second means.