Additive Manufacturing Turbojet Bearing Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing manufacturing and mounting techniques for aircraft engine bearing supports are complex and expensive, involving multiple processes and bolted connections, which can be improved for reduced size and mass.
Innovation Solution
A bearing support made as a single part using additive manufacturing, incorporating a tapered element, cylindrical body, upstream and downstream enclosures, and integrated features like a squirrel cage, segmented radial seal, and oil return path, eliminating the need for bolted connections and reducing material thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of stationary object
If traditional manufacturing and mounting techniques are used for bearing supports, then assembly and connection are achieved through multiple processes and bolted connections, but the size and mass of the bearing support increase and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (tapered element, cylindrical body, upstream skirt, downstream revolution elements, enclosures) into a single integrated bearing support structure manufactured as one piece using additive manufacturing, eliminating the need for bolted connections and multiple assembly processes
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing support structure performs multiple functions simultaneously: supporting the journal, defining enclosures for bearing isolation, providing mounting interfaces for seals and other components, and enabling oil circulation for lubrication and cooling, all within a single multi-functional component
2Weight of stationary object
If multiple separate components are assembled using bolted connections, then manufacturing and mounting are achieved through established processes, but the bearing support size and mass increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple discrete parts into a single monolithic structure produced by additive manufacturing, eliminating bolted connections and reducing the total number of components while maintaining structural integrity and functional performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs additive manufacturing technology to produce the bearing support with optimized material distribution and reduced thickness in non-critical areas, achieving weight reduction while maintaining structural strength through controlled material deposition parameters
Data Source
AI summary
A bearing support designed to be secured to a stationary turbojet element for supporting a journal, including a cone which widens from a central portion for supporting the journal to a portion for securing to the stationary element, a cylindrical body extending the portion for securing to the stationary element while surrounding the cone, an upstream skirt carried by the cone for defining an upstream enclosure for the central portion, and at least one downstream revolution element carried by the cone for defining a downstream enclosure for the central portion. The bearing support can be made as a single part produced by additive manufacturing.