Worm Gear Phase Adjustment for Space-Limited Rotary Machines

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing phase adjustment devices for large rotary machines face challenges in installation due to space constraints and require power sources, making them difficult to install and adjust, especially in limited environments.

Innovation Solution

A phase adjustment device comprising a worm wheel detachably attached to the rotor and a worm portion detachably attached to the stator, allowing manual phase adjustment by rotating the worm portion using a hand tool, which reduces installation space requirements and simplifies the adjustment process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a hydraulic device with support stand is used for phase adjustment, then the phase can be adjusted, but the installation space requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephase adjustment capabilityVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The phase adjustment device is divided into separate components: a worm gear portion that attaches to the stator and a worm wheel portion that attaches to the rotor. This segmentation eliminates the need for a large support stand, allowing the device to be installed in limited spaces below the coupling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The worm gear portion is configured to extend in the axial direction of the rotor rather than requiring radial or lateral space. This dimensional reorientation allows the device to fit within the available axial space below the coupling, resolving the space constraint problem.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If a hydraulic device with power supply is used for phase adjustment, then the phase can be adjusted, but the installation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephase adjustment capabilityVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hydraulic system and power supply are completely removed from the phase adjustment device. Instead, a simple manual operation mechanism using a worm gear and worm wheel is implemented, eliminating the need for complex power supply connections and hydraulic systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The worm gear portion and worm wheel portion are designed to be manually operable without external power sources. The operator can directly rotate the worm wheel to adjust the phase, making the device self-sufficient and eliminating installation complexity related to power supply and hydraulic systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If chain block is used for phase adjustment, then the rotor can be rotated, but the adjustment precision is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotor rotation capabilityVSAvoidphase adjustment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The crude mechanical rotation method using a chain block is replaced with a precision worm gear mechanism. The worm gear portion engages with the worm wheel portion to provide controlled, precise rotational movement of the rotor, enabling accurate phase adjustment rather than coarse rotation.

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

The solution enables easy phase adjustment of rotary machines with reduced installation space needs and manual operation, eliminating the need for dedicated jigs and power sources, thus enhancing operational flexibility and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a worm wheel (71) configured to be detachably provided to a shaft end (31) of the rotor (30); and a worm portion (73) configured to be detachably provided to the stator (20, 55, 56) and mesh with the worm wheel (71)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWorm drive mechanism: Worm Drive

Data Source

PatentUS20240258886A1Phase adjustment device and phase adjustment method for rotary machine
Publication Date: 2024.08.01 MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTIES COMPRESSOR CORP
  • US20240258886A1 patent drawing
  • US20240258886A1 patent drawing
  • US20240258886A1 patent drawing

AI summary

There is provided a phase adjustment device for a rotary machine including a rotor and a stator. The phase adjustment device includes a worm wheel configured to be detachably provided to a shaft end of the rotor, and a worm portion configured to be detachably provided to the stator and mesh with the worm wheel.