Removable Rotor Power Supply via Electromagnetic Induction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical power supply systems for rotorcraft are cumbersome, difficult to maintain, and interfere with surrounding equipment due to the use of heavy slip-ring assemblies with brushes, which are costly and require frequent maintenance, especially when not needed for all missions.
Innovation Solution
A removable electrical power supply device with an upper alternator and tube secured to the rotor shaft, utilizing a mechanism for distinct rotary movements to generate electricity, replacing traditional slip-ring assemblies and allowing for easy maintenance and reduced weight and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a slip-ring assembly with brushes is used to convey electricity to the rotary rotor, then electrical power can be supplied to the rotor, but the device becomes very heavy and difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the heavy slip-ring assembly and brushes from the system by replacing them with a permanent magnet mounted on the rotary rotor that interacts with stationary coils. This removes the problematic sliding contact components while maintaining the electrical power supply function through electromagnetic induction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical slip-ring and brush contact system with an electromagnetic field-based power transfer system. The permanent magnet on the rotor creates a magnetic field that induces current in the stationary coils, eliminating the need for mechanical sliding contacts and significantly reducing weight and maintenance requirements.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a slip-ring assembly with brushes is used to convey electricity to the rotary rotor, then electrical power can be supplied to the rotor, but the device requires frequent maintenance and has high maintenance costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the maintenance-prone slip-ring and brush components from the system. By using a permanent magnet on the rotor that interacts with stationary coils, the design eliminates sliding contacts that wear out, thereby removing the need for frequent maintenance and reducing maintenance costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The permanent magnet on the rotor continuously generates the magnetic field needed for power transfer without requiring external intervention or maintenance. The system is designed to be self-sustaining, with no moving electrical contacts that would require periodic inspection, adjustment, or replacement.
3Reliability
If a power de-icing unit is installed in the airframe of the aircraft, then de-icing function is provided, but the unit disturbs surrounding electrical equipment and occupies significant space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the power supply function directly into the rotor system through the permanent magnet and stationary coils arrangement. This eliminates the need for a separate power de-icing unit in the airframe, as the rotor itself generates the electrical power needed for de-icing applications, thereby reducing space occupation and interference with other electrical equipment.
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 solution provides a lightweight, cost-effective, and compact power supply system that can generate significant electric current at low rotor speeds, minimizing the risk of short-circuits and allowing for safe operation with redundancy, thus reducing maintenance downtime and interference with other aircraft systems.
Implementation Method 1
the upper alternator having a plurality of upper coils fastened to an upper inside peripheral surface of said upper tube... the rod carrying at least one upper permanent magnet of the upper alternator separated from the upper coils by a predetermined upper airgap
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical power supply device (10) for electrically powering equipment on a rotary rotor (2) of an aircraft (1), which rotor is driven by a shaft (5), said device (10) comprising a removable stick (11). The stick (11) includes an upper alternator (20) and an upper tube (12) secured to said shaft (5) so as to be constrained in rotation therewith, said upper alternator (20) having a plurality of upper coils (21) fastened to an upper inside peripheral surface (12′) of said upper tube (12), said stick (11) having a rod (13) carrying an upper permanent magnet (22), said device (10) having a mechanism (30) so that said rod (13) and said upper tube (12) move with distinct rotary movements, said mechanism (30) having connection means (31) so as to be connectable to a reference member (8, 9) of an aircraft (1).