Rotating Electric Machine Conversion Plug for TEFC to TEAO Mode

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Solution Overview

Problem

The need for different mechanical designs for rotating electric machines based on ventilation modes, such as TEFC and TEAO, increases costs and limits the application of electrical machine housings, as existing designs require changes to accommodate various ventilation systems.

Innovation Solution

A rotating electric machine with a conversion plug system that allows for the same housing and shaft mechanical design to support both TEFC and TEAO ventilation modes, using a cylindrical body part with a lid part that fits by interference and a hub portion engaging with the shaft, enabling easy conversion between modes without altering the shaft length.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If different mechanical designs are used for different ventilation modes (TEFC and TEAO), then the ventilation performance is optimized, but the manufacturing cost increases and the adaptability of the housing decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehousing adaptabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is designed with a universal opening that can accommodate both fan mounting (for TEFC mode) and conversion plug installation (for TEAO mode). This single housing design serves multiple ventilation modes without requiring different housing variants, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining manufacturing simplicity and cost-effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a fan mounting system is designed for TEFC mode, then cooling performance is improved, but the system becomes incompatible with TEAO mode without additional sealing components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing reliabilityVSAvoidsealing system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing function is extracted from the fan assembly and integrated into the conversion plug design. When converting from TEFC to TEAO mode, the conversion plug replaces the fan and inherently provides the sealing function, eliminating the need for separate sealing elements and simplifying the overall system while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The conversion plug acts as an intermediary component that enables mode conversion. It interfaces with the universal opening in the housing and provides the necessary sealing function, mediating between the housing structure and the ventilation mode requirement without requiring modifications to either the housing or additional sealing systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the shaft length is changed to accommodate different ventilation modes, then the ventilation system compatibility is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements and production costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveventilation mode compatibilityVSAvoidshaft length precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The shaft is designed with a universal length that works with both fan mounting (TEFC mode) and conversion plug installation (TEAO mode). The opening in the housing is positioned to accommodate the shaft end in both configurations, allowing the same shaft to serve multiple ventilation modes without requiring precision variations in shaft length, thereby maintaining manufacturing simplicity and cost-effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 cost-effective and flexible conversion between TEFC and TEAO ventilation modes within the same mechanical design, eliminating the need for additional sealing elements and reducing production costs by maintaining a consistent housing and shaft configuration.

Implementation Method 1

The cylindrical body part is sized to fit, by interference, to the opening of the housing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInterference fit: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3836369A1Rotating electric machine and ventilation mode conversion plug for a rotating electric machine
Publication Date: 2021.06.16 WEG EQUIP ELETRICOS SA
  • EP3836369A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3836369A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3836369A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention relates to a rotating electric machine of the type comprising a housing that houses an active core with a rotor and a stator, the rotor being mounted on a shaft (8), the housing having an opening coincident with the shaft, the opening being configured to receive one of a fan (6) configured for mounting on the shaft (8) and a conversion plug (7) configured to close the opening.