Piston Expander Slant-Surface Positioning for Stable Startup
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The startability of a piston-type expander in a Rankin cycle system is unstable due to the piston's position (phase), necessitating a method to adjust the piston's position before starting.
Innovation Solution
An operation system for a piston-type expander comprising a first engaging member with a slanting surface fixed on the output shaft, a second engaging member with a slanting surface rotatably disposed on the output shaft, and a drive device that converts axial pressure into rotational torque to adjust the piston's position by pressing the second engaging member onto the first engaging member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the crankshaft rotation is immediately stopped by engaging fitting portions in an inertia stop process, then the crankshaft can be adjusted to a desired starting position, but the rotational motion is stopped suddenly causing impact and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using slanting surfaces to gradually decelerate the rotating member before engagement. The slanting surface converts rotational kinetic energy into axial force progressively, rather than stopping the rotation abruptly. This preliminary deceleration reduces the impact force when the engaging members finally engage, while still achieving accurate positioning of the piston for stable starting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the stopping action from a purely rotational dimension to include an axial dimension. The slanting surface converts rotational motion into axial movement of the rotating member, allowing the system to dissipate rotational energy through axial compression rather than abrupt rotational stopping. This dimensional transformation reduces impact forces while maintaining positioning accuracy.
2Reliability
If a piston position adjustment mechanism is added to the piston-type expander, then the startability can be stabilized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the output shaft to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the rotational drive shaft and as a positioning mechanism for the piston. The engaging members are integrated into the output shaft structure rather than being separate components. This multi-functionality achieves reliable piston positioning for stable starting while minimizing additional structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the position adjustment function with the existing output shaft structure. The first and second engaging members are integrated into the output shaft, and the slanting surfaces are formed on these existing components. By combining the positioning function with the drive shaft rather than adding a completely separate adjustment mechanism, the patent achieves reliable starting stability while limiting the increase in device complexity.
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
Enables precise adjustment of the piston's position, ensuring stable startability of the piston-type expander by converting axial pressure into rotational torque to align the piston correctly.
Implementation Method 1
a drive device which, while keeping a rotation direction of the second engaging member around the output shaft fixed, moves the second engaging member in an axial direction of the output shaft to press the second slanting surface onto the first slanting surface, converts a pressing force of the second engaging member in the axial direction into a rotational torque of the first engaging member and the output shaft at a contact surface of the second slanting surface and the first slanting surface
Data Source
AI summary
An operation system for a piston-type expander includes: a first engaging member which is fixed to an output shaft of the piston-type expander, rotates together with the output shaft, and has a first slanting surface; a second engaging member which is rotatably disposed on the output shaft, and has a second slanting surface; and a drive device which, while keeping a rotation direction of the second engaging member around the output shaft fixed, moves the second engaging member in an axial direction of the output shaft to press the second slanting surface onto the first slanting surface, converts a pressing force of the second engaging member in the axial direction into a rotational torque of the first engaging member and the output shaft at a contact surface of the first and second slanting surfaces, and causes the first engaging member to rotate together with the output shaft.