Aircraft Differential Geartrain for Independent Rotor Power Split
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing geartrain arrangements in aircraft propulsion systems for coupling turbine and propulsor rotors are in need of improvement for enhanced efficiency and flexibility, particularly in managing power distribution and reducing complexity.
Innovation Solution
A geartrain assembly is introduced that includes a sun gear, ring gear, and intermediate gears, with the propulsor and compressor rotors coupled through different components of the geartrain, allowing for independent rotation and power transfer between the electric machine and rotating structures, and positioning the electric machine remotely from the geartrain to reduce complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a conventional geartrain arrangement is used to couple turbine rotor to propulsor rotor, then power transmission is achieved, but device complexity and mass are high
Solution Approach 1:
The geartrain is segmented into three distinct components (first component coupling propulsor rotor, second component coupling compressor rotor, third component coupling rotating structure), allowing independent control and power distribution to each rotor while reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The geartrain components serve multiple functions: they transmit power, enable independent rotation control, and facilitate electric machine coupling. The same geartrain structure supports both traditional turbine propulsion and electric motor assistance, providing multi-functionality that reduces system mass
2Power
If the electric machine is positioned close to the geartrain, then power transfer efficiency is improved, but device complexity and mass increase
Solution Approach 1:
The geartrain acts as an intermediary mechanism that efficiently transfers power between the electric machine and the rotors. By positioning the electric machine remotely and using the geartrain as a mediator, the system achieves both efficient power transfer and reduced configuration complexity through modular architecture
3Device complexity
If a simple geartrain is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability for different operating modes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The geartrain components are designed with dynamic coupling capabilities, allowing the system to adapt between different operating modes (electric machine-driven, turbine-driven, hybrid) through controlled engagement and disengagement of the three components, providing versatility without increasing structural complexity
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
This configuration enables efficient power distribution and reduced complexity by allowing independent rotation of the electric machine and rotating structures, facilitating engine startup and operation with reduced mass and cost, and enhancing thrust generation.
Implementation Method 1
The geartrain includes a sun gear, a ring gear, a plurality of intermediate gears and a carrier. The intermediate gears are arranged in an array about the sun gear. Each of the intermediate gears is between and meshed with the sun gear and the ring gear.
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly is provided for an aircraft propulsion system. This assembly includes a geartrain, a propulsor rotor, a compressor rotor, a rotating structure and an electric machine. The geartrain includes a first component, a second component and a third component. The propulsor rotor is coupled to the geartrain through the first component. The compressor rotor is coupled to the geartrain through the second component. The rotating structure is coupled to the geartrain through the third component. The rotating structure includes a turbine rotor. The electric machine is positioned remote from the geartrain. The electric machine includes an electric machine rotor, and the electric machine rotor is coupled to the geartrain through the third component.