Rotational Coupling Seal for Armature Electromagnet Interface

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional rotational coupling devices, such as spring-set, electromagnetically released brakes, suffer from dust and particulate accumulation at the interface between the armature and electromagnet, leading to surface damage and reduced operational life.

Innovation Solution

A rotational coupling device with a seal supported on a radially inner surface of a spacer, positioned between the brake plate and electromagnet, effectively seals the interface between the armature and electromagnet, preventing dust and particulate accumulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the interface between the armature and electromagnet is left open in conventional rotational coupling devices, then the device structure remains simple and inexpensive, but dust and particulate matter accumulate in the interface causing surface damage and weakening the electromagnetic circuit

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational lifeVSAvoidsealing structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A seal is introduced as an intermediary component between the armature and electromagnet to prevent dust and particulate matter from entering the interface. The seal is supported on a radially inner surface of the spacer and extends across the interface, acting as a barrier that maintains electromagnetic circuit strength while adding minimal structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The seal functions as a thin film barrier that flexibly adapts to the interface between the armature and electromagnet. This thin film approach provides effective sealing against dust and particulates without requiring complex rigid structures, thus improving reliability while keeping the device relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Reliability

If a seal is added to prevent particulate accumulation, then the electromagnetic circuit strength is maintained and operational life is extended, but the device structure becomes more complex and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectromagnetic circuit strengthVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing function is segmented from the main brake structure and implemented as a separate, standalone seal component. This segmentation allows the seal to be manufactured independently using simple processes and then installed as a discrete part, minimizing the impact on overall manufacturing complexity while effectively protecting the electromagnetic circuit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The seal is designed as a relatively simple, inexpensive component that can be easily replaced if needed. By using a low-cost sealing solution rather than a complex integrated system, the patent maintains ease of manufacture while still achieving the goal of preserving electromagnetic circuit strength and extending operational life.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 sealing mechanism extends the operational life of the device by minimizing particulate buildup and maintaining the strength of the electromagnetic circuit.

Implementation Method 1

a seal supported on a radially inner surface of the spacer radially outward of the armature... for sealing the interface between the armature and the electromagnet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical Containment: Physical Containment

Implementation Method 2

An electromagnet is then used to create an electromagnetic circuit to draw the armature away from the rotor when it is desired to disengage the brake

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic Induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20190170201A1Rotational Coupling Device Having Means for Sealing the Interface Between the Armature and the Electromagnet

Publication Date: 2019.06.06 WARNER ELECTRIC TECHNOLOGY LLC

AI summary

A rotational coupling device includes a rotor configured for rotation about a rotational axis, a brake plate disposed on a first axial side of the rotor, an armature disposed on a second axial side of the rotor opposite the brake plate, and an electromagnet disposed on one axial side of the armature opposite the rotor and the brake plate. A spacer is disposed axially between the brake plate and the electromagnet and radially outwardly of the rotor and the armature. A seal is supported on a radially inner surface of the spacer radially outward of the armature and seals the interface between armature and electromagnet.