Segmented Armature for Superconducting Generator Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

The assembly of superconducting generator armatures is complex and resource-intensive due to their large size and weight, requiring significant space, machinery, and handling care, which complicates the process and increases the risk of errors.

Innovation Solution

The armature is divided into manageable segments with electrically insulating supporting structures, allowing for parallel manufacturing and easier assembly, with each segment comprising coils spaced along a circumferential direction and an insulating structure, which can be tested before full assembly, reducing assembly time and risk.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the armature is assembled as a single large component, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the assembly complexity and resource requirements increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The armature is divided into multiple segments, each containing a subset of coils and an electrically insulating supporting structure. These segments can be manufactured, tested, and assembled separately, reducing the overall assembly complexity and resource requirements while maintaining the structural integrity of the complete armature through proper joining of segments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If the armature is manufactured as a single large component, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the assembly time and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The armature is divided into multiple segments that can be manufactured in parallel, reducing the overall manufacturing time. Each segment can be produced independently using standardized processes, and then assembled together, which reduces the total assembly time and allows for more efficient use of manufacturing resources and factory floor space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Stability of the object's composition

If the armature is assembled as a complete unit, then the structural stability is ensured, but the risk of assembly errors increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidassembly error risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The armature is divided into segments that can be tested individually before final assembly, allowing for early detection and correction of manufacturing defects or assembly errors. This reduces the risk of errors propagating through the entire assembly process while maintaining the structural stability of the complete armature through controlled joining of tested segments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Device complexity

If large single-piece armature components are used, then the design is simplified, but the handling and manipulation difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign simplicityVSAvoidhandling ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The armature is divided into smaller segments that are easier to handle, transport, and manipulate during assembly operations. Each segment can be managed with standard equipment and procedures, reducing the need for specialized heavy-lifting equipment and large assembly spaces while maintaining the overall design simplicity through modular construction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11552518B2Armature segment, armature and methods for assembling them
Publication Date: 2023.01.10 GENERAL ELECTRIC RENOVABLES ESPANA SL
  • US11552518B2 patent drawing
  • US11552518B2 patent drawing
  • US11552518B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to armature segments for an armature for an electrical machine. An armature segment may comprise a plurality of coils and an electrically insulating supporting structure providing structural support to the plurality of coils. An armature may comprise a plurality of armature segments. The present disclosure further relates to methods for assembling such armature segments and armature.