Brushless Electrical Power Transfer Assembly for Aircraft Propeller Deicing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft propeller assemblies face challenges in efficiently transferring electrical power to rotating propeller blades for deicing purposes, particularly due to the limitations of conventional electrical power transfer methods that may interfere with mechanical-load-carrying duties and require conductive brushes.
Innovation Solution
A brushless electrical-power-transfer assembly using bearing-like components with raceways and rolling elements to establish an electrical power path between a stationary frame assembly and a rotating propeller assembly, allowing for the transfer of power to propeller blades without participating in mechanical-load-carrying duties, utilizing non-electrically conductive materials and interlocking race structures with rolling elements to maintain a low-friction, isolated current path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional electrical power transfer methods using conductive brushes are used, then electrical power can be transferred to rotating propeller blades, but mechanical-load-carrying duties are interfered with and reliability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power transfer system into separate functional components: the electrical power transfer function is segmented from the mechanical support function. The bearing-like components are divided into a stationary raceway and rolling elements, where only the rolling elements contact both the stationary and rotating parts, while the raceways remain stationary and non-conductive, eliminating the need for brushes to perform both electrical and mechanical functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the electrical power transfer function from the mechanical load-carrying function. By using non-electrically conductive raceways that do not participate in shaft-supporting duties, the electrical path is extracted as a separate function performed only by the rolling elements, which eliminates interference between electrical and mechanical operations.
2Power
If conductive brushes are used for power transfer, then electrical power can be transferred, but mechanical-load-carrying duties are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power transfer system so that mechanical loads are carried exclusively by the rolling elements through their contact with the shaft, while electrical power is transferred through the same rolling elements via their contact with the non-conductive raceways. This segmentation allows both functions to operate independently without compromising either mechanical strength or electrical power transfer efficiency.
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 reliable and efficient transfer of electrical power to propeller blades, enhancing deicing capabilities while avoiding mechanical interference and maintaining structural integrity, applicable in various situations requiring power transfer between stationary and rotating assemblies.
Implementation Method 1
a second set of rolling elements (78) caged in a second raceway (74) of the first race structure (52)... allowing for the transfer of power to propeller blades
Implementation Method 2
utilizing non-electrically conductive materials and interlocking race structures with rolling elements to maintain a low-friction, isolated current path
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical-power-transfer assembly (50) transferring electrical power from an onboard power source to electrical deicers (22) on propeller blades (18). The assembly (50) comprises a first race structure (52) mounted to the aircraft, a second race structure (54) mounted to the propeller assembly (12), and rolling elements (76/78) caged in raceway(s) (72/74) situated between the race structures (52/54). The current path established by the assembly (50) passes through the raceway(s) (72/74) and the rolling elements (76/78) caged therein.