Rotating Disk Fluid Evacuation for Drive Chamber Windage Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In drive arrangements with electric motors, fluid accumulation between the rotor and stator causes power inefficiencies due to drag, and conventional methods like air pressure have disadvantages such as aeration, increased costs, and introduction of dirt and water.
Innovation Solution
A rotating disk with an annular portion and entraining surface features is used to create a negative pressure gradient, drawing fluid from the motor chamber to the gear train chamber, minimizing windage and parasitic drag through centrifugal action.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional air pressure systems are used to evacuate fluid, then fluid evacuation capability is improved, but system complexity and cost increase along with introduction of contaminants
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating disk uses its own rotation to create the negative pressure gradient needed for fluid evacuation, eliminating the need for external air pressure systems. The disk's rotation itself provides the pumping action through centrifugal force and pressure differential creation
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful air pressure system is extracted and replaced with a simpler mechanical solution using only the rotating disk. The complex pneumatic system including compressors, hoses, and control mechanisms is removed entirely
2Productivity
If a rotating disk with small gap clearance is used, then fluid evacuation efficiency is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The axial dimension of the gap clearance is specifically optimized to create the desired negative pressure gradient. By carefully selecting this parameter, the system achieves effective fluid evacuation while maintaining reasonable manufacturing tolerances
Solution Approach 2:
The disk extends slightly beyond the partition wall, creating an overlapping region that enhances fluid evacuation without requiring extremely tight clearances throughout the entire gap. This partial extension provides sufficient pumping action
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 effectively evacuates lubricating fluid from the motor chamber, reducing windage and parasitic drag, and is a low-cost, robust method for fluid transport, improving power efficiency and reducing the need for air pressure systems.
Implementation Method 1
rotation of the disk creates a negative pressure gradient, which draws fluid from the first chamber into the second chamber
Implementation Method 2
rotation of the disk creates a negative pressure gradient, which draws fluid from the first chamber into the second chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A drive arrangement includes a housing having two chambers and a partition defining an annular space within the housing. A disk is mounted on a shaft of the drive arrangement and includes an annular portion disposed within the annular space. A face of the annular portion is axially spaced from the partition by a gap clearance. An axial dimension of the gap clearance is such that rotation of the disk generates a negative pressure gradient for drawing fluid from the first chamber through the gap clearance in a radial direction toward the rotation axis. The fluid then moves along the face of the disk in a radial direction away from the rotation axis under centrifugal action of the rotating disk. The outer periphery of the disk is spaced from the housing to permit fluid to pass, by centrifugal action, from the outer periphery toward a second chamber.