Variable-Speed Speed-Up Mechanism Preventing Output Shaft Reverse Rotation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing variable-speed speed-up mechanisms for compressors face issues with the output shaft of the planetary gear transmission device reversing rotation, which can occur when the rotation is stopped, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage.

Innovation Solution

A variable-speed speed-up mechanism incorporating a constant-speed electric motor, a variable-speed electric motor, and a planetary gear transmission device with a control system that adjusts the rotational speed of the variable-speed electric motor to prevent reverse rotation by calculating a command value based on measured rotational speeds and controlling the motors accordingly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the rotation of the output shaft is stopped, then the rotational speed control is simplified, but the output shaft may reversely rotate causing inefficiency and potential damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotational speed controlVSAvoidoutput shaft reverse rotation prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control device calculates command rotational speeds for both the constant-speed and variable-speed motors that preemptively prevent reverse rotation of the output shaft. By computing rotational speeds that maintain forward rotation or controlled stopping without reversal, the system applies counter-action before reverse rotation can occur, thus preventing the harmful effect while maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The control device continuously monitors the actual rotational speeds of both motors and compares them with commanded values. Based on this feedback, the control device adjusts the command rotational speeds dynamically to prevent reverse rotation of the output shaft, ensuring reliability while maintaining ease of operation through automated control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If the rotational speed of the variable-speed electric motor is increased to prevent reverse rotation, then the output shaft reverse rotation is prevented, but the energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput shaft reverse rotation preventionVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges the functions of two motors - the constant-speed motor provides baseline rotational force to prevent reverse rotation, while the variable-speed motor adjusts its contribution based on actual operational needs. This combination allows the system to maintain reliability without requiring the variable-speed motor to consume excessive energy by running at high speeds continuously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The control device dynamically changes the rotational speed parameter of the variable-speed motor based on real-time conditions. Rather than maintaining a constantly high rotational speed to prevent reverse rotation, the system adjusts the motor speed parameter to the minimum necessary level, thus preventing reverse rotation while minimizing energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If a control device is added to calculate and adjust motor speeds, then the output shaft reverse rotation is prevented, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput shaft reverse rotation preventionVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control device performs multiple functions: it calculates command rotational speeds for both motors, monitors actual rotational speeds, compares commanded versus actual values, and adjusts control parameters to prevent reverse rotation. By consolidating these multiple functions into a single control device, the system prevents reverse rotation while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces complex mechanical reverse rotation prevention mechanisms (such as mechanical locks or one-way clutches) with a computational control approach. The control device uses calculations and electronic control signals to prevent reverse rotation, substituting mechanical complexity with electronic/control system simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This configuration effectively prevents the output shaft from reversing rotation, ensuring efficient operation and reducing the risk of damage by dynamically adjusting motor speeds to maintain forward rotation.

Implementation Method 1

a planetary gear transmission device which changes a rotation driving force generated by the electric device and transmits a target to be driven

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPlanetary gear mechanism: Epicyclic Gearing

Data Source

PatentUS10837526B2Variable-speed speed-up mechanism
Publication Date: 2020.11.17 MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTIES COMPRESSOR CORP
  • US10837526B2 patent drawing
  • US10837526B2 patent drawing
  • US10837526B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A variable-speed speed-up mechanism includes: an electric device generating a rotation driving force; and a transmission device changing a speed of the rotation driving force and transmitting the rotation driving force to a target to be driven. The transmission device includes: a sun gear rotating around an axis line; a sun gear shaft fixed to the sun gear and extending in an axial direction around the axis line; a planetary gear meshing with the sun gear, revolving around the axis line, and rotating around a center line of the planetary gear; a gear meshing with the planetary gear; a planetary gear carrier including a planetary gear carrier shaft extending in the axial direction around the axis line and supporting the planetary gear; and a gear carrier including a gear carrier shaft extending in the axial direction around the axis line and supporting the gear.