Load pin with backup load path

Abstract

A load pin with a backup load path is disclosed. An example load pin includes a first pin region defining a head of the load pin; a second pin region defining a wall section; and a third pin region positioned inwardly with respect to the second pin region; wherein the third pin region is arranged relative to the second pin region such that a gap is formed between the first pin region and the second pin region.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to turbine engines and, more particularly, to load pins having a backup load path. Background Art

[0002] Shear pins are designed and sized to withstand static and fatigue loads without failure. In some examples, one or more sensors may be added to the shear pin for measuring strain and load. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0003] Figure 1 is a side view of an example aircraft.

[0004] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of an example gas turbine engine in which examples disclosed herein may be implemented.

[0005] Figure 3 is a schematic view showing the forces on a single shear load pin.

[0006] Figure 4 is a schematic view showing the forces on a double shear load pin.

[0007] Figure 5A is a cross-sectional side view of an example load pin constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0008] Figure 5B is taken through Figure 5A plane 5B-5B of Figure 5A the load pin.

[0009] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional side view of an example load pin in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0010] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional side view of an example load pin in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional side view of an example load pin in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0012] Generally, in the drawings and the accompanying specification, the same reference numerals will be used to refer to the same or similar components. The drawings are not necessarily to scale. Instead, the thickness of layers or regions may be exaggerated in the drawings. Although the drawings show layers and regions with clear lines and boundaries, some or all of these lines and / or boundaries may be idealized. In reality, the boundaries and / or lines may be unobservable, blended, and / or irregular. Detailed Description

[0013] The features, advantages, and embodiments of the present disclosure will be clarified or made apparent by considering the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings, and the claims. In addition, the following detailed description is exemplary and is intended to provide further explanation without limiting the scope of the claimed present disclosure.

[0014] Various embodiments are discussed in detail below. Although specific embodiments are discussed, this is for illustrative purposes only. Those skilled in the relevant art will recognize that other components and configurations may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0015] "Comprising" and "including" (and all their forms and tenses) are used herein as open-ended terms. Thus, whenever a claim uses any form of "comprising" or "including" (e.g., comprises, includes, has, etc.) as a preamble or uses any form of "comprising" or "including" in any type of claim recitation, it should be understood that additional elements, terms, etc. may exist without exceeding the scope of the corresponding claim or recitation. As used herein, when the phrase "at least" is used as a transitional word in, for example, the preamble of a claim, it is open-ended, just as the terms "comprising" and "including" are open-ended. The term "and / or" when used in the form of, for example, A, B, and / or C, means any combination or subset of A, B, C, such as (1) A alone, (2) B alone, (3) C alone, (4) A and B, (5) A and C, (6) B and C, or (7) A and B and C. As used herein in the context of describing a structure, component, item, object, and / or thing, the phrase "at least one of A and B" is intended to mean an implementation that includes any one of (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, or (3) at least one A and at least one B. Similarly, as used herein in the context of describing a structure, component, item, object, and / or thing, the phrase "at least one of A or B" is intended to mean an implementation that includes any one of (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, or (3) at least one A and at least one B. As used herein in the context of describing the performance or execution of a process, instruction, action, activity, etc., the phrase "at least one of A and B" is intended to mean an implementation that includes any one of (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, or (3) at least one A and at least one B. Similarly, as used herein in the context of describing the performance or execution of a process, instruction, action, activity, etc., the phrase "at least one of A or B" is intended to mean an implementation that includes any one of (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, or (3) at least one A and at least one B.

[0016] As used herein, singular references (e.g., "a," "an," "first," "second," etc.) do not exclude a plurality. As used herein, the term "a" or "an" object refers to one or more of such objects. The terms "a" (or "an"), "one or more," and "at least one" are used interchangeably herein. Further, although multiple devices, elements, or acts may be recited separately, they may be implemented by, for example, the same entity or object. Additionally, although individual features may be included in different examples or claims, these features may be combined, and inclusion in different examples or claims does not imply that the combination of features is not feasible and / or advantageous.

[0017] As used herein, unless otherwise specified, the term "above" describes the relationship of two portions relative to the Earth. A first portion is above a second portion if at least a portion of the second portion is between the Earth and the first portion. Similarly, as used herein, a first portion is "below" a second portion when the first portion is closer to the Earth than the second portion. As described above, the first portion may be above or below the second portion and have one or more of the following: there are other portions therebetween, there are no other portions therebetween, the first portion and the second portion are in contact, or the first portion and the second portion do not directly contact each other.

[0018] In this patent, when it is stated that any portion (e.g., a layer, film, region, area, or plate) is located on another portion in any manner (e.g., positioned, located, disposed, or formed on, etc.), it means that the recited portion is in contact with the other portion, or the recited portion is above the other portion and there is one or more intermediate portions therebetween.

[0019] As used herein, connection references (e.g., attach, couple, connect, and join) can include an intermediate member between the elements referenced by the connection reference and / or relative movement between these elements, unless otherwise specified. Thus, a connection reference does not necessarily mean that the two elements are directly connected and / or fixed to each other. As used herein, the definition of any portion being "in contact" with another portion means that there is no intermediate portion between the two portions.

[0020] Unless otherwise expressly stated, descriptors such as "first," "second," "third," etc., used herein do not imply in any way or otherwise indicate any meaning of priority, physical order, arrangement in a list, and / or sequencing, but are only used as labels and / or arbitrary names to distinguish elements for ease of understanding the disclosed examples. In some examples, the descriptor "first" may be used to refer to an element in a detailed description, while the same element may be referred to by a different descriptor such as "second" or "third" in the claims. In such cases, it should be understood that these descriptors are only used to clearly identify the elements in the context of the discussion (e.g., in the claims), where the elements may, for example, share the same name.

[0021] As used herein, "about" and "approximately" modify their subject / value to identify possible variations that may exist in actual applications. For example, "about" and "approximately" may modify dimensions that may be inaccurate due to manufacturing tolerances and / or other practical deficiencies, as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, "about" and "approximately" may indicate that such dimensions may be within a tolerance range of + / - 10%, unless otherwise specified herein.

[0022] In some examples used herein, the term "substantially" is used to describe a relationship between two parts that is within three degrees of the stated relationship (e.g., a substantially identical relationship is within three degrees of being identical, a substantially flush relationship is within three degrees of being flush, etc.). In some examples used herein, the term "substantially" is used to describe a value that is within 10% of the stated value.

[0023] In at least some cases, approximating language may correspond to the precision of the instrument used to measure a value, or the precision of the method or machine used to construct or manufacture a component and / or system. For example, approximating language may refer to being within a margin of 1%, 2%, 4%, 5%, 10%, 15%, or 20% of a single value, a range of values, and / or the endpoints defining a range of values.

[0024] Traditional shear pins are commonly used in link and clevis assemblies to transfer loads between joints. A shear pin load sensor (e.g., a load pin) is a load sensor that can replace bolts, clevises, and / or other load-bearing components to measure force. In other words, a load pin is a shear pin that includes a sensor to measure force. The load pin provides a measurement system for measuring force (e.g., static force, dynamic force, etc.). The load pin can replace load-bearing shear pins, clevis pins, shear shafts, etc. to provide force monitoring of the loads carried by such devices. Specifically, a load pin is a strain-measurement shear pin load sensor configured to output a signal indicative of the load applied to the pin. In some examples, load pins are used to measure engine thrust during aircraft operation. For example, a measuring instrument can be added to a thrust load pin (e.g., a thrust pin) that transfers the thrust load from the engine to the pylon. For example, some gas turbine engines are configured to be mounted to an aircraft wing through a pylon and a thrust pin (e.g., under-wing mounting). The pylon transfers loads associated with gas turbine engine operation (e.g., thrust load, inlet load, propeller load, gravity load / weight, etc.) to the aircraft wing. This route from the gas turbine engine to the wing is commonly referred to as the thrust load path. If the load pin fails, a backup load path is required to avoid interruption of the thrust load path.

[0025] Traditional load pins are typically solid structures with grooves for concentrated strain measurement, but do not include a backup load in case of pin failure. In contrast, traditional load pins are designed to carry loads rather than obtain accurate sensor measurements. Traditional load pins need to be designed and calibrated for size to accurately measure thrust while maintaining safe operating conditions in case of load pin failure. In other words, designing traditional load pins for these static and fatigue load requirements does not allow for sensitive measurement of pin strain levels. In other words, if the traditional load pin is sized to provide high sensitivity, there is little safety margin when the load is higher than expected. A new type of measuring device is needed that has high measurement sensitivity but still provides a safe operating environment.

[0026] As used herein, a relatively high load (e.g., ultimate load, extreme load, etc.) refers to a load that is above the target operating load range for a given application. As used herein, a high load event refers to a relatively high load (e.g., fan blade detachment event, test load higher than expected, etc.) applied to the load pin during operation.

[0027] The example methods, systems, articles, and devices disclosed herein facilitate the manufacture of example load pins having a backup load path. The example load pins disclosed herein are capable of sensitive load and / or strain measurement under normal operating loads and have a backup (e.g., secondary) load path for high load events. Specifically, the examples disclosed herein include a first pin region (e.g., outer pin) and a second pin region (e.g., inner pin).

[0028] The first pin region can be a measurement pin that can be configured for target strain and / or load measurement sensitivity. The second pin region disclosed herein provides a backup load path and is configured to carry relatively high loads. In other words, the example load pins disclosed herein can be constructed based on the expected load measurement range to ensure that the load pin remains intact in the event of extreme loads. Additionally, the example load pins disclosed herein allow for the installation of strain gauges according to the expected test purpose. The example pins disclosed herein provide relatively high sensitivity at the target load (e.g., relatively low load) but also have the ability to carry larger loads.

[0029] The example load pins disclosed herein include a gap between the outer pin and the inner pin. In some examples, the gap is sized to allow the outer pin to operate independently of the inner pin until a specified load is exceeded. For example, the outer pin can be sized to carry the ultimate load but will bend and / or shear to close the gap and activate the inner pin (e.g., backup load path) when the ultimate load is exceeded. Thus, the inner pin, outer pin, and gap can be sized to meet defined load criteria.

[0030] Certain example pins disclosed herein can be used for strain and load measurement pins. However, the example pins disclosed herein are not limited thereto. Instead, the example pins disclosed herein can be used without strain gauges and / or other sensors. Although the examples disclosed below are described with reference to load pins, the example pins disclosed herein can be applicable to other pins, such as (but not limited to) shear pins, clevis pins, and / or another type of load-bearing pin or shaft. Additionally, although the examples described below are discussed in the context of an aircraft, the example pins disclosed herein are not limited thereto.

[0031] Referring now to the drawings, Figure 1 like numbers represent like elements throughout the figures, Figure 1 is a side view of one embodiment of an aircraft 10 in which the examples disclosed herein can be implemented. As shown, in several embodiments, the aircraft 10 includes a fuselage 12 and a pair of wings 14 (one shown) extending outwardly from the fuselage 12. In the illustrated embodiment, a turbomachine 100 (e.g., a gas turbine engine) is supported on each wing 14 to propel the aircraft through the air during flight. In some examples, the aircraft 10 includes a load pin 101 (e.g., a thrust pin, etc.) to carry loads, such as loads from the turbomachine 100, fuel tanks, etc. For example, the load pin 101 can carry a thrust load from the turbomachine 100 to the pylon 103. The pylon 103 is structurally designed to couple the turbomachine 100 to the fuselage 12 and / or the wings 14. In some examples, the load pin 101 is located between the engine mount 105 and the pylon 103. Although Figure 1 not shown in the figure, the load pin 101 is located between the engine 100 and the engine mount 105.

[0032] A thrust bracket can be used to transfer the axial thrust load of the turbomachine 100 to the pylon 103. In some examples, the load is transferred from the turbomachine 100 to a portion of the thrust bracket attached to the engine mount 105 via a thrust link. Then, the thrust load can be transferred to the pylon 103 through the load pin 101 in the engine mount 105. Additionally, the thrust load can be transferred from the pylon 103 to the wing 14. This route from the turbomachine 100 to the wing 14 is generally referred to as the thrust load path.

[0033] Furthermore, as shown, the aircraft 10 includes a vertical stabilizer 16 and a pair of horizontal stabilizers 18 (one shown in the figure). However, in alternative examples, the aircraft 10 can include any other suitable configuration, such as any other suitable number or type of engines, different types of engines, and / or engines located in different positions, etc. Although the examples disclosed herein are described with reference to Figure 1described for the aircraft 10, but the examples disclosed herein may be applicable to other types or configurations of aircraft. Accordingly, the subject matter may be readily applicable to other aircraft and / or other types of vehicles.

[0034] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary high bypass turbofan type gas turbine engine (e.g., Figure 1 the turbine engine 100 in Figure 1 ), which may incorporate various examples disclosed herein. The exemplary turbine engine 100 may be implemented on an aircraft (e.g.,

[0035] as in Figure 2 ), and is thus referred to as an aircraft engine. In this example, the turbine engine 100 is a turbofan type engine. However, the principles of the present disclosure are also applicable to other types of engines, such as turboprop engines and engines without an engine nacelle, such as unducted fan (UDF) engines (sometimes referred to as propfans). Additionally, the exemplary principles disclosed herein may be implemented on other types of engines, such as non-aircraft engines.

[0036] As Figure 2 shown, the turbine engine 100 and / or the gas turbine engine 104 define a longitudinal or axial centerline axis 108 therethrough for reference. Figure 2 Also included is an annotated direction diagram with reference to the axial direction A, the radial direction R, and the circumferential direction C. Generally, as used herein, the axial direction A is the direction extending generally parallel to the centerline axis 108, the radial direction R is the direction extending orthogonally outward or inward from the centerline axis 108 toward the centerline axis 108, and the circumferential direction C is the direction extending concentrically around the centerline axis 108. Additionally, as used herein, the term "forward" refers to the direction along the centerline axis 108 in the direction of movement of the turbine engine 100, e.g., to the Figure 2 left side in Figure 2 , while the term "backward" refers to the direction along the centerline axis 108 in the opposite direction, e.g., to the

[0037] The gas turbine engine 104 includes a generally tubular outer casing 110 (which may also be referred to as a mid-casing), which defines an annular inlet 112. The outer casing 110 of the gas turbine engine 104 may be formed of a single casing or multiple casings. The outer casing 110 encloses a compressor section in a series flow relationship, which has a supercharger or a low-pressure compressor 114 ("LP compressor 114") and a high-pressure compressor 116 ("HP compressor 116"); a combustion section 118; a turbine section, which has a high-pressure turbine 120 ("HP turbine 120") and a low-pressure turbine 122 ("LP turbine 122"); and an exhaust section 124.

[0038] The gas turbine engine 104 includes a high-pressure shaft 126 ("HP shaft 126"), which drives and couples the HP turbine 120 and the HP compressor 116. The gas turbine engine 104 also includes a low-pressure shaft 128 ("LP shaft 128"), which drives and couples the LP turbine 122 and the LP compressor 114. The LP shaft 128 is also coupled to a fan shaft 130.

[0039] The fan section 106 includes a plurality of fan blades 132, which are coupled to the fan shaft 130 and extend radially outward from the fan shaft 130. In some examples, the LP shaft 128 may be directly coupled to the fan shaft 130 (i.e., a direct drive configuration). In an alternative configuration, the LP shaft 128 may be coupled to the fan shaft 130 through a reduction gear 134 (e.g., an indirect drive or a gear drive configuration). Although in this example, the gas turbine engine 104 includes two compressors and two turbines, in other examples, the gas turbine engine 104 may include only one compressor and one turbine. Additionally, in other examples, the gas turbine engine 104 may include more than two compressors and turbines. In such examples, the gas turbine engine 104 may include more than two drive shafts or spools.

[0040] As Figure 2As shown, during operation of the turbine engine 100, air 136 enters the inlet section 138 of the turbine engine 100. The air 136 is accelerated by the fan blades 132 (sometimes considered a low-pressure compressor). A first portion 140 of the air 136 flows into the bypass air flow passage 142, while a second portion 144 of the air 136 flows into the inlet 112 of the gas turbine engine 104 (and thus into the LP compressor 114). One or more consecutive stages of the LP compressor stator vanes 146 and the LP compressor rotor blades 148 coupled to the LP shaft 128 gradually compress the second portion 144 of the air 136 flowing through the LP compressor 114 and flowing towards the HP compressor 116. Next, one or more consecutive stages of the HP compressor stator vanes 150 and the HP compressor rotor blades 152 coupled to the HP shaft 126 further compress the second portion 144 of the air 136 flowing through the HP compressor 116. This supplies the compressed air 154 to the combustion section 118, where it is mixed with fuel and burned to provide combustion gases 156. The fuel is injected into the combustion section 118 through one or more nozzles. The turbine engine 100 includes a fuel system to supply pressurized fuel to the combustion section 118 of the gas turbine engine 104 through the nozzle 157. An example fuel system will be disclosed in further detail herein.

[0041] The combustion gases 156 flow through the HP turbine 120, where one or more consecutive stages of the HP turbine stator vanes 158 and the HP turbine rotor blades 160 coupled to the HP shaft 126 extract a first portion of the kinetic and / or thermal energy. This energy extraction supports the operation of the HP compressor 116. Then, the combustion gases 156 flow through the LP turbine 122, where one or more consecutive stages of the LP turbine stator vanes 162 and the LP turbine rotor blades 164 coupled to the LP shaft 128 extract a second portion of the thermal and / or kinetic energy therefrom. This energy extraction supports the rotation of the LP shaft 128, and thus supports the operation of the LP compressor 114 and / or the rotation of the fan shaft 130. Then, the combustion gases 156 leave the gas turbine engine 104 through the exhaust section 124. The combustion gases 156 are mixed with the first portion 140 of the air 136 from the bypass air flow passage 142. The mixed gases are discharged from the exhaust nozzle 170 (e.g., a converging / diverging nozzle) of the bypass air flow passage 142 to produce a propulsion thrust.

[0042] To accurately measure the engine thrust during flight, a measuring instrument can be added to a load pin that transfers all thrust loads from the engine to the pylon. Conventional load pins cannot provide sufficient measurement sensitivity while maintaining a safety margin beyond standard operations (e.g., blade shedding events, higher-than-expected loads, etc.). The examples disclosed herein provide a load pin with a backup load path. Specifically, the example load pins disclosed herein include a primary (e.g., main, etc.) load path that includes a measuring instrument, and a backup (e.g., secondary, etc.) load path in the event of a failure of the primary load path.

[0043] Figure 3 The forces on a single-shear load pin 300 are shown. In some examples, the single-shear load pin 300 can be used with an aircraft 10, such as Figure 1 load pin 101. However, the load pin 300 can be used in any suitable environment or application, such as cranes, elevators, hydraulic actuators, mooring hooks, and / or any other application where a load is borne by bolts, pins, shafts, etc.

[0044] In Figure 3 the example, a first joint 302 applies a first load 304 (e.g., force) to the load pin 300 in a first direction, while a second joint 306 applies a second load 308 (e.g., force) to the load pin 300 in a second direction. The applied loads 304, 308 depend on the application of the load pin 300. For example, when the load pin 300 is a thrust pin on an aircraft, the load can correspond to the thrust provided by a turbine engine 100 ( Figure 2 ). In some examples, the load pin 300 is made of steel, and / or other materials that can withstand the loads 304, 308 applied to the single-shear load pin 300.

[0045] When the joints 302, 306 apply loads, the load pin 300 deforms. When the single-shear load pin 300 includes a sensor (e.g., strain gauge), this deformation can be converted into a quantifiable electrical signal. For example, the load pin 300 can be used to measure Figure 1-2 the thrust provided by the turbine engine 100 during operation in

[0046] As described below with respect to Figure 5A-5BAs shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the single shear load pin 300 may include a groove defined in the outer periphery of the pin 300 to define a shear plane 310 located between the loads 304, 308.

[0047] Figure 4 FIG. 5 shows the forces on the double shear load pin 400. In this example, a first joint 402 applies a first load 404 to the load pin 400 in a first direction, a second joint 406 applies a second load 408 to the load pin 400 in a second direction, and a third joint 410 applies a third load 412 to the load pin 400 in a third direction. In some examples, the double shear load pin 400 is used for lug-U-bolt joints. These joints can be stronger than single shear load pins (e.g., the single shear load pin 300 in FIG. 7) because the double shear load pin 400 is only loaded in a shear configuration or arrangement. Figure 3 since the double shear load pin 400 is only loaded in a shear configuration or arrangement.

[0048] The loads 404, 408, 412 create two shear planes, including a first shear plane 414 between the first joint 402 and the second joint 406 and a second shear plane 416 between the second joint 406 and the third joint 410. Since the loads 404, 408, 412 are applied in two transverse planes, the load pin 400 will shear into three pieces in the event of failure. As shown below with respect to Figure 6 FIG. 8, the double shear load pin 400 may include a groove defined in the outer periphery of the load pin 400 to define the shear planes that are located between the measured loads 404, 408, 412.

[0049] Figure 3-4 The load pins 300, 400 as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 may be manufactured in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. For example, the load pins 300, 400 may include a first (e.g., primary) load path to allow for sensitive load and / or strain measurements during normal operation, and a backup (e.g., secondary) load path for high load events. As discussed further below in detail, this allows the load pins 300, 400 to be sized based on the expected load measurement range and ensures that the load pins 300, 400 remain intact under relatively high loads.

[0050] Figure 5A and 5B FIGS. 9A and 9B show different views of an example load pin 500 in accordance with the teachings disclosed herein. Specifically, Figure 5A FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional side view of the load pin 500, while Figure 5B FIG. 9B is taken along the plane 5B-5B of Figure 5A FIG. 9A. Figure 5ACross-section of the load pin 500. The load pin 500 is a single-shear load pin, which includes an exemplary first pin region 502 (e.g., a head region, etc.), an exemplary second pin region 503 (e.g., a wall region, etc.), and an exemplary third pin region 504 (e.g., an inner region, etc.). Figure 5A-5B The load pin 500 has a first length 506 and a first diameter 508. In some examples, the load pin 500 has a length 506 of about 5.5 inches. However, in other examples, the load pin 500 may have a greater or smaller length 506. In some examples, the load pin 500 has a first diameter 508 of about 3.25 inches. However, in other examples, the load pin 500 may have a greater or smaller first diameter 508.

[0051] The exemplary first pin region 502 includes an exemplary first sub-region 516 (e.g., an outer region) and an exemplary second sub-region 518 (e.g., an inner region). The second sub-region 518 is coupled to the first sub-region 516. In some examples, the second sub-region 518 is press-fitted into the inner surface 513 of the first sub-region 516. In other examples, the second sub-region 518 is coupled to the inner surface 513 of the first sub-region 516 using another technique (e.g., adhesive, fastener, etc.).

[0052] In this example, the second pin region 503 extends from the first sub-region 516 of the first pin region 502 and is integrally formed with the first sub-region 516 of the first pin region 502. Additionally, in Figure 5A the example, the third pin region 504 extends from the second sub-region 518 of the first pin region 502 and is integrally formed with the second sub-region 518 of the first pin region 502. Furthermore, the second sub-region 518 of the first pin region 502 is press-fitted into the first sub-region 516 of the first pin region 502.

[0053] The second pin region 503 (e.g., and the first sub-region 516) includes an exemplary outer surface 510 and an exemplary inner surface 512. The inner surface 512 defines a hole 514. Although Figure 5A-5B the second pin region 503 in is cylindrical, the second pin region 503 may have a different shape in other examples. The combination of the second pin region 503 and the first sub-region 516 of the first pin region 502 in this example has the length 506 of the load pin 500. In other examples, the combination of the second pin region 503 and the first sub-region 516 of the first pin region 502 may have a length less than the length 506 of the load pin 500 (e.g., when the third pin region 504 is longer than the second pin region 503 or offset with respect to the second pin region 503).

[0054] The third pin region 504 is located within the hole 514 and has a shape corresponding to that of the hole 514. For example, in the present example, the hole 514 and the third pin region 504 are cylindrical. However, in other examples, the hole 514 and the third pin region 504 may have other shapes. Although the third pin region 504 in FIG. 5 is solid, in other examples, the third pin region 504 may be at least partially hollow.

[0055] Figure 5A-5B The third pin region 504 in the illustrated example has a first diameter 520 that is less than the second diameter 522 of the inner surface 512 of the second pin region 503. In some examples, the inner surface 512 of the second pin region 503 has a second diameter 522 of approximately 2.5 inches. However, in other examples, the inner surface 512 of the second pin region 503 may have a larger or smaller second diameter. In some examples, the third pin region 504 has a first diameter 520 of approximately 2.2 inches. However, in other examples, the third pin region 504 may have a larger or smaller second diameter 522. Although the third pin region 504 has a cylindrical profile in this example, the third pin region 504 may have a different profile in other examples, such as a tapered cylinder, a cone, a hexagon, etc.

[0056] As Figure 5A shown, the third pin region 504 is arranged relative to the inner surface 512 of the second pin region 503 such that an exemplary gap 530 is formed between the inner surface 512 of the second pin region 503 and the third pin region 504. The distance 532 that the gap 530 extends is less than the length 506 of the load pin 500. In some examples, the gap 530 has a thickness 531 of approximately 0.3 inches. However, in other examples, the gap 530 may have a larger or smaller thickness 531.

[0057] Due to the gap 530, the second pin region 503 includes or defines a wall 533 (e.g., a wall portion, a wall region, etc.) of the load pin 500. As described above, the first pin region 502 of the load pin 500 corresponds to the head 526 of the load pin 500. Specifically, the head 526 is defined by a first sub-region 516 of the first pin region 502 and a second sub-region 518 of the third pin region 504. In other words, the head 526 corresponds to the portion of the load pin 500 above the gap 530. The wall 533 extends from the first sub-region 516 of the head 526 of the load pin 500. The distance 540 between the outer surface 510 and the inner surface 512 of the wall 533 defines the thickness of the wall 533. The size of the gap 530 can be designed according to the specific application of the load pin 500.

[0058] In some examples, the second pin region 503 and the third pin region 504 are sized to meet a specific load. In some examples, the second pin region 503 and the third pin region 504 are sized to meet a specific load while minimizing the weight of the load pin 500 (e.g., in applications related to an aircraft). Specifically, the size of the load pin 500 can vary widely. The pin size is typically defined by the load that the pin 500 is to carry.

[0059] The second pin region 503 includes an exemplary groove 534 defined in the outer surface 510 of the second pin region 503. In other examples, the groove 534 can be positioned within the second pin region 503 such that the groove 534 forms a pocket within the second pin region 503. In other examples, the groove 534 can be omitted (e.g., as Figure 6 shown). The second pin region 503 of this example includes one or more sensors 536 positioned relative to an exemplary shear plane 538. For example, the sensor 536 can be a strain gauge configured to measure the strain applied to the first pin region. The groove 534 and the sensor 536 of this example are positioned at the shear plane 538 to concentrate the strain for measurement.

[0060] The groove 534 is designed to concentrate the strain in the pin 500 to make the sensor 536 more effective. As Figure 5A shown, the sensor 536 can be placed within the groove 534 around the circumference of the pin 500. In some examples, one or more sensors 536 are used. The number of sensors 536 can depend on the measurement plan. For example, if the pin 50 is loaded in one direction (e.g., forward / backward, etc.), at least two sensors 536 can be included. The at least two sensors 536 can be placed on opposite sides of the pin 500 in line with the applied load. If the pin 500 is loaded in two directions (e.g., forward / backward and left / right, etc.), at least four sensors 536 can be included. The at least four sensors 536 can be placed on the pin 500 at 90-degree increments or in another configuration. In some examples, increasing the number of sensors 536 can provide better load resolution due to an increase in the number of data points.

[0061] The gap 530 between the second and third pin regions 503, 504 enables the second pin region 503 to be sensitive to the measurement of strain and / or load. During normal operation, the load applied to the load pin 500 passes through the second pin region 503. The third pin region 504 provides an alternate load path. The second pin region 503 is configured to carry a first load (e.g., a first load range) corresponding to a target load for measurement. In some examples, the first load is approximately 40,000 pounds. However, in other examples (e.g., depending on the particular application), the first load can be larger or smaller. The third pin region 504 is configured to carry a second load (e.g., a second load range) that exceeds the first load. For example, the second load can correspond to any load up to and including a blade shedding event. In some examples, the second load is approximately 80,000 pounds. However, in other examples, the second load can be larger or smaller (e.g., depending on the particular application).

[0062] In the case where a relatively high load (e.g., a high load event) exceeds the capacity of the second pin region 503, the third pin region 504 is configured to carry the load. In other words, in the case of a failure of the second pin region 503, the gap 530 between the third pin region 504 and the second pin region 503 can be at least partially closed, and the third pin region 504 can bear the load. During normal operation, the gap 530 allows the load to pass through the second pin region 503 without contacting the third pin region 504. The third pin region 504 operating as a backup pin does not carry the load until the gap 530 is closed. When the second pin region 503 fails, the second pin region 503 moves to close the gap 530, contacts the third pin region 504, and the third pin region 504 begins to carry the load to ensure safe operation.

[0063] Specifically, the load pin 500 provides load sensor measurement options for the joint, allowing for increased measurement sensitivity based on a defined load range (e.g., relative to a conventional pin), and providing an alternate load path option in the event of a failure of the primary measurement pin. For example, during normal operation of the aircraft 10( Figure 1 ), the thrust provided by the turbine engine 100( Figure 2 ) can be applied to the first pin region 502. However, in the case of a high load event (e.g., a blade shedding event), in the case of a failure of the second pin region 503, the third pin region 504 can carry the thrust load. The first pin region 502, the second pin region 503, the third pin region 504, the gap 530, and / or the groove 534 can all be sized as needed to meet the load requirements.

[0064] The third pin region 504 has the ability required for worst-case scenarios (e.g., fan blade shedding). Since the third pin region 504 is configured to carry the load from high-load events during operation, the third pin region 504 provides freedom in the development of the second pin region 503 (e.g., the measurement pin). In other words, the third pin region 504 enables the second pin region 503 to be configured to achieve the desired or optimal sensitivity for measuring thrust without having to worry about its ability to carry the load required for the ultimate event. In some examples, the second pin region 503 can be configured to carry a much lower load relative to the third pin region 504 to maximize the sensitivity of the second pin region 503. For example, the second pin region 503 can be configured to carry a load that does not exceed the target load to be measured (e.g., the thrust from the turbine engine 100( Figure 2 ))), and the third pin region 504 can be configured to carry a load that exceeds the target load to be measured up to the worst-case load.

[0065] In Figure 5A-5B the example shown, the load pin 500 is a two-piece load sensor pin. The first sub-region 516 of the first pin region 502 and the first combination of the second pin region 503 are made of a first material. Additionally, the second sub-region 518 of the first pin region 502 and the second combination of the third pin region 504 are made of a second material different from the first material. For example, the first sub-region 516 of the first pin region 502 and the first combination of the second pin region 503 can include steel, aluminum, another metal, and / or another material capable of carrying the first load in the target environment. The second sub-region 518 of the first pin region 502 and the second combination of the third pin region 504 can include steel, titanium, and / or another metal capable of carrying the second load in the target environment. However, the examples disclosed herein are not limited to this. In other examples, the first and second combinations can include the same material or be formed of the same material.

[0066] Examples of pins similar to the load pin 500 of Figure 5A-5B are disclosed below. Thus, the same reference numerals are used for Figure 5A-5B similar or identical structures in Figure 6-8 . Figure 6-8 Many of the components of the pins in Figure 5A-5B are substantially similar or identical to the components described above in connection with the load pin 500 in

[0067] Figure 6 Another example load pin 600 in accordance with the teachings disclosed herein is shown. Figure 6 The load pin 600 ofFigure 5A-5B Load pin 500. For example, Figure 6 Load pin 600 includes a first pin region 602 (e.g., Figure 5A-5B First pin region 502 of Figure 5A-5B ), a second pin region 603 (e.g., Figure 5A-5B Second pin region 503 of Figure 6 ), and a third pin region 604 (e.g., Figure 6 Third pin region 504 of

[0068] Figure 6 Load pin 600 can carry loads in at least two shear planes, more specifically, in the first and second shear load planes 538a, 538b. Although Figure 6 The length 606 of the clearance 530 of load pin 600 is longer than the distance 532 of the clearance 530 of Figure 5A In other examples, Figure 6 The clearance 530 can be longer or shorter. Additionally, although Figure 6 The third pin region 604 of Figure 5A Is longer than the third pin region 504 of Figure 6 In other examples,

[0069] Figure 7 An example load pin 700 according to the teachings of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 7 Load pin 700 of Figure 5A-5B Is similar to load pins 500, 600 of Figure 7 However, load pin 700 of Figure 6 Does not include a groove (e.g., Figure 7 Groove 534 of Figure 5A-5B First pin region 502 and second sub-region 518 and second pin region 503 of load pin 700 of

[0070] Figure 8Another example load pin 800 in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure is shown. Load pin 800 is similar to Figure 5A-5B the load pin 500 of Figure 8 . However, the load pin 800 of Figure 5A-5B is a one-piece load pin. Load pin 800 includes a first pin region 802 corresponding to the head 803 of load pin 800. Load pin 800 includes a second pin region 804 corresponding to the wall 805 of load pin 800. Additionally, load pin 800 includes a third pin region 806 that defines an inner pin region 807 of load pin 800. The second pin region 804 extends from the first pin region 802. The third pin region 806 extends from the first pin region 802. The second pin region 804 is positioned relative to the third pin region 806 such that a gap 808 is formed between the second and third pin regions 804, 806. The second pin region 804 corresponding to the wall 805 is similar to Figure 5A-5B the second pin region 503 (e.g., wall 533) of

[0071] , and the third pin region 806 corresponding to the inner pin region 807 is similar to Figure 5A-5B the third pin region 504 of

[0071] .

[0072] Load pin 800 may be a monolithic load pin having a gap 808 positioned between the second pin region 804 and the third pin region 806. For example, at least one of the first pin region 802, the second pin region 804, and / or the third pin region 806 may be integrally formed. The distance 810 that the gap 808 extends is less than the length 812 of load pin 800.

[0072] The second pin region 804 has a thickness 814 that is configured to carry a first load range (e.g., about 40,000 pounds, etc.). The third pin region 806 has a diameter 816 (e.g., 2.5 inches, etc.) that is configured to carry a second load range that exceeds the first load range (e.g., 80,000 pounds, etc.). Specifically, the third pin region 806 is sized to carry a fail-safe load (e.g., ultimate load, extreme load, etc.) in the event of a failure of the second pin region 804 of load pin 800. In some examples, the gap 808 is sized such that the second pin region 804 can carry a target load without interference from the third pin region 806 (e.g., until the second pin region 804 of load pin 800 fails). In some examples, load pin 800 may include or be formed of steel, aluminum, another metal, and / or other materials capable of carrying the first and second load ranges in a target environment based on the thickness 814 of the second pin region 804 and the diameter 816 of the third pin region 806.

[0073] In this example, the second pin region 804 includes a groove 818 defined in the outer surface 820 of the wall 805. In other examples, the second pin region 804 may include more than one groove 818 defined in the outer surface 820 of the wall 805. In other examples, the groove 818 may be omitted from the second pin region 804 (e.g., similar to the load pin 700 described above) Figure 7 The load pin 800 of this example includes one or more sensors 836 positioned in the second pin region 804 relative to the exemplary shear plane 838. For example, the sensor 836 may be a strain gauge configured to measure the strain applied to the wall 805. The groove 818 and the sensor 536 of this example are positioned at the shear plane 838 to concentrate the strain for measurement.

[0074] The gap 808 between the second and third pin regions 804, 806 of the load pin 800 enables the second pin region 804 to be sensitive to the measurement of strain and / or load. During normal operation, the load applied to the load pin 800 passes through the second pin region 804, while the third pin region 806 provides an alternate load path. The second pin region 804 is configured to carry a first load (e.g., a first load range) corresponding to the target load for measurement. The third pin region 806 is configured to carry a second load (e.g., a second load range) that exceeds the first load. In the event of a failure in the second pin region 804, the gap 808 between the second pin region 804 and the third pin region 806 can at least partially close, and the third pin region 806 can bear the load. In other words, the third pin region 806, as a backup pin, does not carry a load until the gap 808 closes. When the second pin region 804 fails, the second pin region 804 moves to close the gap 530, contacts the third pin region 806, and the third pin region 806 begins to carry the load to ensure safe operation. The dimensions of the first pin region 802, the second pin region 804, the third pin region 806, the gap 808, and / or the groove 818 can all be designed as needed to meet the load requirements.

[0075] The exemplary load pins 500, 600, 700, 800 disclosed above have various features. Although each of the load pins 500, 600, 700, 800 disclosed above has certain features, it should be understood that a particular feature of one exemplary load pin 500, 600, 700, 800 need not be specifically used for that example. Instead, any feature described above and / or shown in the drawings can be combined with any example as a supplement or alternative to any other feature of these examples. The features of one example are not mutually exclusive with the features of another example. Instead, the scope of the present disclosure covers any combination of features. The features of the exemplary load pins 500, 600, 700, 800 disclosed above can be combined, divided, rearranged, omitted, eliminated, and / or implemented in any other way.

[0076] This disclosure provides example methods, devices, systems, and articles of manufacture for providing a backup load path for a shear pin. Further aspects of the disclosure are provided by the subject matter of the following clauses:

[0077] A load pin includes: a first pin region that defines a head of the load pin; a second pin region that defines a wall segment; and a third pin region that is positioned inwardly relative to the second pin region, wherein the third pin region is arranged relative to the second pin region such that a gap is formed between the second pin region and the third pin region.

[0078] The load pin according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the second pin region and the third pin region are cylindrical.

[0079] The load pin according to any of the preceding clauses, further comprising a circumferential groove defined in an outer surface of the second pin region.

[0080] The load pin according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the third pin region has a first diameter that is different from a second diameter of the first pin region.

[0081] The load pin according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the first pin region has a first sub-region and a second sub-region, the wall segment extends from the first sub-region, and the third pin region extends from the second sub-region.

[0082] The load pin according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the second sub-region is press-fit into an inner surface of the first sub-region.

[0083] The load pin according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the second pin region and the third pin region are formed of different materials.

[0084] The load pin according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the second pin region is integrally formed with the first sub-region, and the third pin region is integrally formed with the second sub-region.

[0085] The load pin according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the first pin region, the second pin region, and the third pin region are formed of the same material.

[0086] The load pin according to any of the preceding clauses, further comprising a sensor positioned relative to the second pin region.

[0087] The load pin according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the third pin region is at least partially hollow.

[0088] The load pin according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the distance that the gap extends is less than a first length of the load pin.

[0089] A load pin includes: a first pin region corresponding to the head of the load pin; a second pin region extending from the first pin region, the second pin region defining a wall region; and a third pin region extending from the first pin region, the third pin region defining an inner pin region, wherein the third pin region is positioned relative to the second pin region such that a gap is formed between the second pin region and the third pin region.

[0090] The load pin according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the wall region includes a thickness configured to carry a first load range.

[0091] The load pin according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the inner pin region is configured to carry a second load range greater than the first load range.

[0092] The load pin according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the second load range corresponds to a fail-safe load.

[0093] The load pin according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the second pin region includes a first groove defined in the outer surface of the wall region.

[0094] The load pin according to any one of the preceding clauses, further comprising a strain gauge positioned relative to the wall region.

[0095] The load pin according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein at least one of the head, the wall region, or the inner pin region is integrally formed.

[0096] The load pin according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the size of the gap is designed such that the wall can carry a target load without interference from the inner pin region.

[0097] A measurement system includes a load pin having an outer pin and an inner pin, the outer pin including a first surface and a second surface, the second surface defining a hole, the outer pin having a first length, the inner pin positioned within the hole of the outer pin, the inner pin including a region having a first diameter and a second pin region having a second diameter less than the first diameter such that a gap is formed between the second pin region of the inner pin and a portion of the second surface of the outer pin, the gap extending a distance less than the first length of the outer pin, and a sensor coupled to the outer pin.

[0098] The measurement system according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the sensor is a strain gauge configured to measure the strain applied to the outer pin.

[0099] The measurement system according to any one of the preceding clauses, further comprising at least one of a groove or a pocket positioned within the outer pin.

[0100] The measurement system according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the first surface of the outer pin is cylindrical.

[0101] A turbine engine includes an engine mount and a load pin positioned relative to the engine mount, the load pin including a first pin region defining a wall of the load pin, a second pin region defining an inner region of the load pin, and a third pin region corresponding to a head of the load pin, wherein the wall and the inner region extend from the head of the load pin.

[0102] The following claims are hereby incorporated by reference into this detailed description. Although certain example systems, devices, articles, and methods have been disclosed herein, the scope of coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all systems, devices, articles, and methods that fall entirely within the scope of the claims of this patent.

Claims

1. A load pin, characterized in that: include: a first pin region defining a head of the load pin; a second pin region defining a wall segment; as well as a third pin region positioned inwardly relative to the second pin region; The third pin region is arranged relative to the second pin region such that a gap is formed between the first pin region and the second pin region.

2. The load pin according to claim 1, wherein: The second pin region and the third pin region are cylindrical.

3. The load pin according to claim 1, wherein: Further including a circumferential groove defined in an outer surface of the second pin region.

4. The load pin according to claim 1, wherein: Wherein the third pin region has a first diameter that is different from a second diameter of the first pin region.

5. The load pin according to claim 1, wherein: The first pin region has a first subregion and a second subregion, the wall segment extends from the first subregion, and the third pin region extends from the second subregion.

6. The load pin according to claim 5, wherein: The second sub-region is press-fitted into the inner surface of the first sub-region.

7. The load pin according to claim 5, wherein: The second pin region is formed integrally with the first sub-region, and the third pin region is formed integrally with the second sub-region.

8. The loadpin according to claim 1, wherein: The second pin region and the third pin region are formed of different materials.

9. The loadpin according to claim 1, wherein: The first pin region, the second pin region and the third pin region are formed from the same material.

10. The loadpin according to claim 1, wherein: Further included is a sensor positioned relative to the second pin region.

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