Sealed Stator Cavity Pressure Control for Aircraft Electric Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft electric machines face challenges in maintaining dielectric strength at varying altitudes due to changes in ambient pressure, leading to potential voltage breakdowns and failures.
Innovation Solution
An aircraft electric machine with a sealed stator cavity and a non-metallic bore seal, regulated by a pressure control system that maintains absolute pressure or vacuum within the stator winding cavity, using a housing with a pressure port and valve, and a controller to adjust pressure for optimal dielectric performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the aircraft electric machine operates at varying altitudes with ambient pressure changes, then the machine can operate in diverse flight conditions, but the dielectric strength of the stator windings deteriorates due to pressure changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the stator assembly into a sealed cavity that is isolated from the external atmosphere. The stator windings are enclosed within this sealed environment, separating them from the varying ambient pressure conditions outside, thereby maintaining stable dielectric strength regardless of altitude changes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent actively controls and maintains the pressure parameter within the sealed stator cavity at a constant level using a pressure control system. By regulating the internal pressure to remain constant despite external pressure variations, the dielectric strength of the windings is preserved while allowing operation across different altitudes
2Reliability
If a sealed chamber is used to maintain pressure, then dielectric strength is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional sealing and pressure control components
Solution Approach 1:
The housing structure performs multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for the stator, creates the sealed enclosure, and integrates the pressure control system. By combining these functions into a single integrated housing design, the patent reduces overall device complexity while maintaining the benefits of the sealed pressure-controlled environment
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure control system is designed to automatically maintain the desired pressure level within the sealed cavity without requiring external intervention. The system self-regulates pressure changes, eliminating the need for complex manual control mechanisms and reducing operational complexity
3Manufacturing precision
If pressure control components are added to maintain absolute pressure, then dielectric performance is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stator assembly is pre-sealed and pressure-tested before final assembly into the electric machine. The sealing structures and pressure control components are pre-installed and configured, allowing for simplified final assembly and reducing manufacturing complexity while ensuring proper dielectric performance
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 enhances dielectric strength and reduces failure frequency by maintaining desired pressure within the stator windings, ensuring effective performance at high altitudes and preventing voltage breakdowns.
Implementation Method 1
maintain an absolute pressure of a gas within the chamber to maintain a dielectric strength for the stator's windings
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft electric machine includes an electric stator that surrounds and supports a rotor. A housing defines a sealed chamber enclosing the electric stator and is configured to maintain an absolute pressure of a gas within the chamber as an aircraft with the aircraft electric machine changes altitude.