Rotational Coupling Device for Wet and Vertical Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rotational coupling devices are ill-suited for use in applications requiring wet conditions or vertical orientations, as they face issues with lubrication and gravitational forces causing undesirable movement and friction, and struggle to maintain operability in environments with water or other liquids.
Innovation Solution
A rotational coupling device design that includes a hub, rotor, armature, clutch plates, and a field shell, with features such as shoulders to limit movement, a spring to counteract gravitational forces, and a fluid slinger to manage lubrication, allowing for both wet and dry operation and horizontal or vertical mounting, while preventing fluid accumulation and enhancing electromagnetic efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the device is oriented vertically, then it can be mounted in vertical positions, but gravitational forces cause undesirable movement and frictional engagement of components
Solution Approach 1:
A spring is introduced to counteract gravitational forces acting on the armature and clutch plates in vertical mounting positions. The spring provides an opposing force that prevents unwanted downward movement and ensures reliable engagement/disengagement control regardless of orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates movable clutch plates and an armature that can dynamically adjust their positions. This dynamic design allows the components to move freely in response to electromagnetic forces while the spring counteracts gravity, enabling reliable operation in both vertical and horizontal orientations.
2Reliability
If the device is oriented vertically with wet coupling, then it can provide lubrication, but gravitational forces cause fluid accumulation issues
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch plates are designed with fluid passages and are dynamically positioned during operation. Rotation of the plates distributes lubricating fluid evenly across friction surfaces through centrifugal force and fluid dynamics, preventing accumulation in low points and ensuring consistent lubrication in vertical wet coupling applications.
3Reliability
If conventional devices are used in wet environments, then they can operate with lubrication, but they cannot adequately remove liquids and maintain operability
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating clutch plates act as centrifugal pumps that dynamically throw off excess lubricating fluid and prevent accumulation. The rotational motion creates centrifugal forces that distribute fluid evenly and prevent pooling, allowing the device to operate reliably in wet environments without fluid accumulation issues.
4Ease of operation
If the device allows free movement of clutch plates, then it can engage smoothly, but gravitational forces cause undesirable movement when torque transfer is not desired
Solution Approach 1:
The spring provides a counteracting force that balances gravitational effects on the clutch plates. This allows the plates to move freely for smooth engagement when electromagnetic forces are applied, while preventing unwanted movement and ensuring precise control when torque transfer is not desired.
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 device minimizes undesirable contact and wear, ensures efficient lubrication, and allows for faster engagement and disengagement, providing improved performance and reliability in various orientations and environments.
Implementation Method 1
a field shell disposed about said hub on an opposite side of said radially extending wall of said rotor from said armature, said field shell housing a conductor therein; wherein said armature and said first and second clutch plates are configured for movement in a first axial direction towards said radially extending wall of said rotor upon energization of said conductor
Implementation Method 2
a spring to counteract gravitational forces
Implementation Method 3
a fluid slinger to manage lubrication
Implementation Method 4
cause frictional engagement of said first and second clutch plates and coupling of said rotor to said hub
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A rotational coupling device, comprising: a hub (22) configured for coupling to a shaft for rotation with said shaft about an axis of rotation; a rotor (26) supported on said hub and configured for rotation relative to said hub about said axis of rotation, said rotor including a first member (100) defining a radially extending wall having a first rotor coupling surface (168) and an axially extending, radially inner rotor pole; and, a second member (104) coupled to said first member for rotation therewith, but axially movable relative to said first member, said second member defining an axially extending, radially outer rotor pole, a second rotor coupling surface (166) and a first braking surface (172); an armature (30) supported on said hub for rotation therewith and disposed on a first side of said radially extending wall of said rotor; a field shell (48) disposed about said hub on a second side of said radially extending wall of said rotor opposite from said armature, said field shell housing a conductor (50) therein and defining radially spaced inner and outer field shell poles aligned with said inner and outer rotor poles, respectively, energization of said conductor establishing an electromagnetic circuit among said field shell, said rotor and said armature to urge said armature in a first axial direction towards said radially extending wall of said rotor and couple said rotor to said hub for rotation therewith; and, a first brake plate (52) defining a second braking surface (232) aligned with said first braking surface of said second member of said rotor wherein said second member of said rotor is configured such that, upon energization of said conductor, said second member of said rotor is urged towards said first member of said rotor and said second rotor coupling surface is urged into engagement with said first rotor coupling surface and, upon deenergization of said conductor, said second member of said rotor is urged towards said first brake plate, said first braking surface is urged into engagement with said second braking surface and said second rotor coupling surface is urged to disengage from said first rotor coupling surface to create a fluid flow opening between said first and second members of said rotor.