Air Cycle Machine Shaft Support Vibration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air cycle machine designs face challenges in efficiently routing air flow between the turbine, compressor, and fan sections to effectively cool components while minimizing vibrations of the tie rod shaft, which affects the overall performance and efficiency of the machine.
Innovation Solution
A cylindrical shaft support with radially outward openings distributed circumferentially around the bore, optimized in size and spacing to facilitate air flow and reduce vibrations, allowing for efficient air routing and cooling within the air cycle machine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If passages are provided in the shaft support to route air flow, then cooling efficiency is improved, but vibration of the shaft increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the ratio of total cross-sectional area of openings to the diameter of the cylindrical body within the specific range of 0.2154 to 0.2165. This precise parameter control allows adequate air flow for cooling while minimizing vibration effects on the shaft.
2Productivity
If the cross-sectional area of openings is increased to improve air flow, then cooling efficiency is improved, but structural strength of the shaft support deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the opening area parameter by defining a specific ratio range (0.2154 to 0.2165) between the total cross-sectional area of openings and the cylindrical body diameter. This parameter optimization achieves the dual goal of maintaining adequate air flow for cooling while preserving the structural strength of the shaft support.
3Productivity
If the ratio of total cross sectional area of openings to diameter is optimized, then air flow and cooling are improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent defines a relatively narrow parameter range (0.2154 to 0.2165) for the ratio of total opening cross-sectional area to cylindrical body diameter. While this optimization improves air flow efficiency, it simultaneously increases manufacturing precision requirements, as the openings must be manufactured within tight tolerances to achieve and maintain the specified ratio.
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 enhances air flow and cooling efficiency, ensuring adequate airflow through the machine while reducing vibrations, thereby improving the operational performance and efficiency of the air cycle machine.
Implementation Method 1
The openings are positioned radially outward of the bore to allow air flow from the turbine section and the compressor section to move to the fan section
Implementation Method 2
The air cools portions of the air cycle machine, such as the bearings
Data Source
AI summary
An example shaft support includes a cylindrical body establishing a bore extending along an axis. The bore is configured to receive a shaft. Openings are provided in the cylindrical body and distributed circumferentially about the axis. The openings are positioned radially outward of the bore. Each of the openings has a cross-sectional area. The ratio of a total cross sectional area of the openings to a diameter of the cylindrical body is between 0.0963 and 0.0964.