Rotational Shaft Decoupling via Spiral Energy Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for rotational decoupling of shafts in generator protection systems require significant external energy and bulky components to overcome torque, leading to unreliable disconnection at high speeds and potential damage from faults.
Innovation Solution
A system featuring a flange with ascending ramps and a roller ring with rollers that use the energy of rotation to axially move apart the shafts, allowing decoupling without requiring substantial external force, with a biasing mechanism and trapping member for maintaining the decoupled position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If an actuator is used to pull or move apart the shafts to interrupt driving, then rapid decoupling is achieved, but significant external energy and bulky heavy components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the rotational energy of the shafts themselves to drive the decoupling mechanism. The extensible piston with spiral engagement converts the rotational motion directly into axial separation force, eliminating the need for external actuators and their associated heavy components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical actuator system with a spiral-based mechanical conversion system. The spiral geometry on the extensible piston converts rotational torque into axial separating force, substituting complex actuator mechanisms with a simpler geometric conversion approach.
2Device complexity
If a spiral and rod system is used to transmit separating force, then the structure is simplified, but reliability decreases due to slippage at high speeds and maximum torque
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a spiral (curved) geometry on the extensible piston that engages with a corresponding flange. This curved engagement surface distributes the separating force more evenly and prevents slippage by maintaining continuous contact through the spiral profile, even at high speeds and maximum torque conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The spiral engagement adds a rotational dimension to the force transmission. Instead of linear rod-to-rod contact, the spiral converts rotational motion into axial separation, creating a two-dimensional engagement surface that prevents slippage through geometric interlocking.
3Ease of operation
If force is applied asymmetrically via the spiral and rod, then decoupling is achieved, but negative effects occur on the generator shaft
Solution Approach 1:
The patent intentionally uses asymmetric spiral geometry on the extensible piston that is designed to engage symmetrically with the flange. The spiral's asymmetric profile converts rotational motion into symmetric axial separation force when properly engaged, eliminating the harmful asymmetric effects while maintaining operational simplicity.
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 rapid and reliable decoupling of shafts with symmetrical force application, reducing the risk of damage from faults and eliminating the need for heavy components, while utilizing the energy of rotation for efficient decoupling.
Implementation Method 1
the roller ring being configured to be rotated in such a way that the rollers move, between the flange and the ramps, in the direction of rotation of the flange on the ramps and in such a way as to axially move apart the flange and the fixed structure
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a system for the rotational decoupling of shafts, in particular drive shafts. The invention also relates to a generator protection system on a connection between a generator and a gas turbine engine. FIG. 1C illustrates the shaft-decoupling system in the decoupled position.