Reversible Speed Reducer Actuator for Fluid Transfer Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional marine loading systems with electrical actuators require a clutch between the reducer and actuating cog, compromising compactness and increasing maintenance needs, while existing reversible speed reducers struggle to operate effectively with high reduction ratios required in fluid transfer systems.
Innovation Solution
The system employs reversible electric motors with speed reducers and braking mechanisms to control the movement of fluid transfer lines, eliminating the need for a clutch and allowing for energy generation during free wheel mode, thereby enhancing compactness and reducing maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a clutch is implemented between the reducer and actuating cog to enable free wheel mode, then the actuators can operate without electricity during transfer phase, but the compactness of the actuator is compromised and maintenance needs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the clutch component from the actuator assembly entirely. Instead of using a clutch to engage/disengage the connection between the reducer and actuating cog, the system uses the reversible speed reducer's inherent ability to operate in both driving and free-wheel modes, extracting the clutch function and eliminating the need for this additional component.
Solution Approach 2:
The reversible speed reducer serves multiple functions: it acts as a speed reducer during motor-driven operation and automatically allows free-wheeling when the motor is not activated. This multi-functional component replaces the need for separate clutch mechanisms, maintaining both energy efficiency and compactness.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a clutch is implemented between the reducer and actuating cog to enable free wheel mode, then the actuators can operate without electricity during transfer phase, but maintenance needs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the clutch component from the actuator assembly entirely. Instead of using a clutch to engage/disengage the connection between the reducer and actuating cog, the system uses the reversible speed reducer's inherent ability to operate in both driving and free-wheel modes, extracting the clutch function and eliminating the need for this additional component.
Solution Approach 2:
The reversible speed reducer automatically transitions between motor-driven mode and free-wheel mode without requiring manual intervention or additional control mechanisms. The system self-regulates the connection and disconnection of power transmission based on operational requirements, eliminating the need for maintenance-prone clutch components.
3Power
If conventional speed reducers are used, then the actuator can provide high reduction ratios required in fluid transfer systems, but the reversibility torque is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent selects and configures a reversible speed reducer with specific parameters optimized for both high reduction ratios and adequate reversibility torque. By changing the design parameters of the speed reducer (such as gear arrangement, friction characteristics, and mechanical efficiency), the system achieves the required 700:1 reduction ratio while maintaining sufficient torque for bidirectional operation.
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 achieves compactness and low maintenance by enabling reversible operation with high reduction ratios, producing energy in free wheel mode and reducing maintenance needs, resulting in an economical and efficient fluid transfer system.
Implementation Method 1
each of the actuators for controlling the movement of the transfer line comprises an electric motor with an output shaft, a speed reducer, the actuating shaft being rotationally driven by the motor output shaft by means of the speed reducer
Implementation Method 2
braking means for locking the actuator in position when movement control is in course and that actuator is not activated for that control
Implementation Method 3
reversible speed reducers available on the market proved to be able to operate in reversible mode with the very high reduction ratios required in the field of the fluid transfer systems
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The system (10) for the transfer of fluid comprises a tubular fluid transfer line (2) comprising at one of its ends a coupling system (32) adapted to be connected to a target duct (33) for the transfer of fluid, and electrical actuators (11-13) for controlling the movement of the transfer line in space, each via an actuating shaft, characterized in that each of the actuators for controlling the movement of the transfer line comprises an electric motor with an output shaft, a speed reducer, the actuating shaft being rotationally driven by the motor output shaft by means of the speed reducer, which is reversible, so as to enable the actuating shaft to turn when an actuating torque is directly applied to it, and braking means for locking the actuator in position when movement control is in course and that actuator is not activated for that control.