Rotating Electric Machine Universal Cooling Housing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The diversity of parts in liquid-cooled rotating electric machines, particularly in applications where cooling of bearings is optional, complicates manufacturing, maintenance, and supply of loose parts, as existing designs lack modularity and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A rotating electric machine design featuring a housing with two connectors for a liquid cooling circuit that allows for both liquid-cooled and uncooled bearing configurations, enabling the same housing to be used with either type of bearing, and utilizing external ducts or a sole part for connection, facilitating modularity and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If different housing designs are used for cooled and uncooled bearings, then the cooling function is achieved, but the diversity of parts increases and modularity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is designed with a universal cooling circuit that can serve multiple functions: it can cool bearings when needed, or simply circulate cooling liquid when bearings are not cooled. The same housing structure with standardized connectors accommodates both cooled and uncooled bearing configurations, eliminating the need for different housing designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling circuit configuration is made dynamic and adaptable through the use of connectors that can be selectively connected or disconnected. When bearings require cooling, connectors are connected to the bearing cooling ports; when not required, connectors remain disconnected or are connected to each other to maintain liquid circulation, allowing the system to adapt to different operational requirements without changing the housing structure.
2Temperature
If specialized housings are designed for specific cooling configurations, then cooling efficiency is optimized, but manufacturing and maintenance complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single standardized housing design with integrated cooling circuit and connectors serves multiple applications. The housing can be used with both cooled and uncooled bearings by simply changing the connector configuration, not the housing itself. This universality simplifies manufacturing by standardizing the housing production process while maintaining cooling efficiency through proper connector arrangement.
3Temperature
If multiple housing variants are produced for different bearing cooling needs, then specific cooling requirements are met, but inventory management and part supply complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The standardized housing with universal connectors allows the same housing part to be used across different machine configurations. Whether bearings are cooled or not, the housing remains the same, and only the connector configuration changes. This dramatically improves part interchangeability and simplifies inventory management, as only one housing design needs to be manufactured and stocked.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system is segmented into independent functional modules: the housing with cooling circuit, the connectors, and the bearing cooling ports. This segmentation allows flexible configuration where connectors can be selectively connected or disconnected based on cooling requirements, enabling the same housing to serve different functions without modifying the housing structure itself.
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
This design enhances modularity and simplifies manufacturing, maintenance, and management of parts by allowing the same housing to be used with either cooled or uncooled bearings, reducing the complexity and number of parts required.
Implementation Method 1
a housing onto which the end flange is attached, this housing being cooled by a liquid cooling circuit and having at least two connectors communicating with said cooling circuit
Data Source
AI summary
A rotating electric machine comprising at least one end flange carrying a bearing, and a housing onto which the end flange is attached, said housing being cooled by a liquid cooling circuit and having at least two connectors communicating with the cooling circuit. The two connectors allow the supply and return of cooling liquid to and from the flange when the flange is configured to be cooled by a flow of the cooling liquid.