Safran‘s patent describes a turbomachine featuring a gas generator, reversible electric machine, and free turbine. It includes mechanical coupling means for connecting and disconnecting the generator’s shafts to an accessory gear box, facilitating operation during start-up and enhancing functionality. GlobalData’s report on Safran gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
Smarter leaders trust GlobalData
According to GlobalData’s company profile on Safran, Photovoltaic drones was a key innovation area identified from patents. Safran's grant share as of July 2024 was 66%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Turbomachine with configurable mechanical coupling for gas generator
The patent US12071853B2 describes a turbomachine that integrates a gas generator, a first mechanical shaft, and an accessory gear box, along with at least one reversible electric machine. This electric machine is coupled to the accessory gear box and is designed to drive both the gas generator and any connected accessories during the start-up phase of the turbomachine. The system features two mechanical coupling means: the first allows for the mechanical coupling and uncoupling of the first mechanical shaft to the accessory gear box, while the second does the same for the second mechanical shaft, which is driven by a free turbine powered by gas from the gas generator. The design aims to enhance operational flexibility and efficiency during the start-up process.
Additionally, the turbomachine includes a control unit for the electric machine, which can switch between motor mode during start-up and generator mode when the second coupling means is engaged. The second mechanical coupling means remains uncoupled until certain power thresholds are met, allowing the free turbine to operate independently. The patent also specifies that the mechanical coupling means may include free wheels and are housed within the accessory gear box. Furthermore, an additional accessory gear box can be connected to the first mechanical shaft to facilitate direct coupling of extra accessories to the gas generator. The claims extend to applications in aircraft with rotary wings, where the turbomachine is integrated with a main gear box and a mechanical coupling to the free turbine.
To know more about GlobalData’s detailed insights on Safran, buy the report here.
Data Insights
From
The gold standard of business intelligence.
Blending expert knowledge with cutting-edge technology, GlobalData’s unrivalled proprietary data will enable you to decode what’s happening in your market. You can make better informed decisions and gain a future-proof advantage over your competitors.
GlobalData, the leading provider of industry intelligence, provided the underlying data, research, and analysis used to produce this article.
GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
