Stator Housing Point Fixing for Shock-Resistant Removable Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional integral assemblies of housing and stator in nacelle thrusters are not removable and prone to failure due to deformation and vibrations from shocks, especially in applications like ice-breaking ships where significant impacts occur, leading to stator failure.

Innovation Solution

A housing and stator assembly with point fixing means located in areas of minimal deformation, allowing for a holding force in radial and tangential directions, which minimizes the transmission of vibrations and deformations from the housing to the stator, using a combination of angular sectors and pressure bolts for enhanced robustness and accessibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the stator is shrunk into the housing cavity using thermal expansion, then the assembly becomes solid and integral, but the assembly becomes non-dismantlable and vulnerable to shock-induced failures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegral assemblyVSAvoiddismantlability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing system is divided into multiple independent point fixing means distributed around the stator circumference. Each point fixing means can independently secure the stator to the housing, allowing the assembly to maintain integral stability during operation while enabling dismantling by removing individual fixing points

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The point fixing means utilizes thermal expansion parameter changes to achieve secure mounting. The fixing elements are heated to expand their volume, allowing insertion into the housing cavity, then cooled to contract and lock the stator in place, providing both integral stability and removable capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If the stator is securely fixed in the housing, then the assembly is robust, but shock-induced deformations and vibrations are transmitted to the stator causing failure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting robustnessVSAvoidstator failure resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The point fixing means are strategically positioned at specific locations on the stator where local structural characteristics minimize shock transmission. These locations are chosen to be away from critical stator components and at points where the housing structure best absorbs impact forces, providing localized quality optimization for both strength and reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The point fixing means are designed to absorb and cushion shock forces before they reach the stator. The fixing elements incorporate damping characteristics that attenuate vibrations and deformations from the housing, protecting the stator from shock-induced failures while maintaining secure mounting

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the housing is made solid and integral with the stator, then structural stability is improved, but the ability to service and replace components is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidcomponent replaceability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing system uses multiple discrete point fixing means rather than a continuous integral connection. This segmentation allows the stator to be securely mounted during operation while enabling easy removal by addressing individual fixing points, thus maintaining both structural stability and ease of repair

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The point fixing means are designed as consumable or recoverable elements that can be removed or replaced without damaging the housing or stator. This allows for servicing and component replacement while maintaining the solid assembly structure during normal operation

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 assembly is easy to assemble and disassemble, reduces the risk of stator failure by minimizing the impact of shocks and vibrations, and allows for independent replacement or adjustment of the stator, enhancing the robustness of the mounting connection while facilitating access and ventilation.

Implementation Method 1

a housing comprising a cylindrical cavity is heated so as to cause the volume of the cylindrical cavity to increase

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Implementation Method 2

While the housing is cooling, the stator is shrunk into the cavity and made integral with the housing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal contraction: Thermal Contraction

Data Source

PatentEP3729604B1Assembly comprising a housing and a stator inserted inside said housing
Publication Date: 2024.02.21 AETC SAPPHIRE
  • EP3729604B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3729604B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3729604B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The disclosed assembly (E) comprises a housing (4) and a stator (29) inserted inside a cylindrical cavity in said housing (4). Said assembly comprises a means for point-to-point attachment (40, 46) of the stator (29) to the housing (4).