Rotor Disconnect Brake Using a Threaded Nut Recovery Mechanism

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems fail to effectively disconnect and stop the rotation of a rotor in a permanent-magnet electric machine without causing damage, particularly in the event of a short-circuit, and require human intervention for recovery.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising an outer shaft with a first coupling system, an inner axis with a second coupling system, a nut threaded around the inner axis, and means for braking the nut's rotation to disconnect and stop the rotor, utilizing a multi-disk brake and locking mechanism to ensure non-destructive operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an outer member is inserted to break a breakable element in the kinematic chain, then the rotor can be isolated, but the rotor may continue rotating by inertia and the system requires human intervention for recovery

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotor isolation reliabilityVSAvoidsystem recovery ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically recovers by braking the nut's rotation, which through the threaded connection moves the inner axis to reconnect the coupling systems and restarts the rotor without human intervention. The brake is activated automatically upon detecting rotor isolation, creating a self-service recovery mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The breakable element is discarded (broken) to isolate the rotor, then the system recovers by braking the nut's rotation to reconnect the kinematic chain and restart the rotor, enabling the system to be reused without replacing mechanical components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

2Strength

If the rotor is detached without stopping rotation, then the disconnection is non-destructive, but the rotor continues rotating due to inertia

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical structure integrityVSAvoidrotor rotation speed

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary braking of the nut's rotation before complete disconnection occurs. By braking the nut, the threaded connection gradually moves the inner axis to disconnect the coupling systems while simultaneously controlling the rotor's rotation through the brake, preventing uncontrolled rotation after detachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If a breakable element is used to isolate the rotor, then the rotor can be disconnected, but mechanical parts require replacement to restore operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotor isolation capabilityVSAvoidmechanical part replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically recovers by braking the nut's rotation, which through the threaded connection moves the inner axis to reconnect the coupling systems and restarts the rotor without human intervention. The brake is activated automatically upon detecting rotor isolation, creating a self-service recovery mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The breakable element is discarded (broken) to isolate the rotor, then the system recovers by braking the nut's rotation to reconnect the kinematic chain and restart the rotor, enabling the system to be reused without replacing mechanical components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

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 allows for rapid, non-destructive disconnection and braking of the rotor, preventing electric arcs and avoiding mechanical damage, with the ability to reset without external intervention.

Implementation Method 1

a nut (33) longitudinally fixed around the second end and threaded so as to cooperate with the tapping (29) of the second end of the inner axis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Implementation Method 2

a means for braking the rotation of the nut so that braking of the rotation of the nut urges the inner axis into its disconnection position and brakes the rotation of the rotor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS12560212B2Device for disconnecting and braking a rotor of an electric machine

Publication Date: 2026.02.24 SAFRAN LANDING SYSTEMS

AI summary

This device for disconnecting and braking a rotor of an electric machine comprises an inner axis driven in rotation by the rotor and longitudinally movable between an engagement position and a disconnection position, the disconnection and braking device further comprising a longitudinally fixed nut and a mechanism or system for braking the rotation of the nut so that braking of the rotation of the nut urges the inner axis into its disconnection position and brakes the rotation of the rotor.