Slip Ring Module Sealing Against Lubricant Ingress in Electric Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric machines, particularly in wet-running modes, face reliability issues due to lubricant infiltration through cracks in rotor filling materials into wire guiding channels, which can lead to deterioration of electric contacts and reduced service life.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an elastic sealing element, such as a sealing plug or O-ring, within the wire guiding channel to prevent lubricant penetration, combined with a thermoset molding compound for insulation and fixation, effectively sealing the wire guiding channel and enhancing electric insulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wire guiding channels are left open for electrical connection, then electrical connectivity is maintained, but lubricant infiltration occurs through cracks in rotor filling materials
Solution Approach 1:
A sealing element is introduced as an intermediary component between the wire guiding channel and the external environment. This sealing element selectively blocks lubricant infiltration while maintaining electrical connectivity through the contact wire, thus resolving the contradiction between preventing harmful factors and maintaining functional operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element functions as a flexible barrier that surrounds the contact wire within the wire guiding channel. This flexible sealing structure allows electrical conduction while preventing lubricant penetration, addressing the contradiction between electrical connectivity and protection against harmful substances.
2Reliability
If sealing elements are added to prevent lubricant infiltration, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it seals the wire guiding channel against lubricant infiltration, maintains electrical connectivity through the contact wire, and provides mechanical support. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while improving reliability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If wire guiding channels are sealed, then lubricant infiltration is prevented, but electrical insulation is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element is designed with local quality differentiation: it provides sealing protection against lubricant infiltration in the radial direction while maintaining electrical conductivity along the contact wire axis. This localized functional differentiation resolves the contradiction between sealing and electrical insulation requirements.
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 sealing element prevents lubricant infiltration, maintaining the reliability and service life of electric machines by ensuring effective sealing and improved insulation, even under wet-running conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic sealing element surrounding the contact wire, which is guided in the wire guiding channel, for sealing the wire guiding channel against penetration of a lubricant into the wire guiding channel
Data Source
AI summary
An electric machine has a stator, a rotor, and a slip ring module which is connected to a motor shaft of the electric machine. The slip ring module is equipped with at least one wire guiding channel, through which a respective contact wire is guided in order to electrically connect a rotor winding to a slip ring. A first section of the wire guiding channel runs from the slip ring in the axial direction parallel to the motor shaft. A second section of the wire guiding channel runs adjacently thereto radially outwards. An elastic seal element which surrounds the respective contact wire is arranged in or on the second section in order to seal the wire guiding channel to prevent a lubricant from entering the channel.