Aircraft Accessory Gearbox Layout for Electric Machine Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft electric machine systems require improvements in efficiency and integration within the aircraft powerplant.
Innovation Solution
An assembly is provided for an aircraft powerplant that includes a fan case, a core case, an accessory gearbox, one or more electric machines, a first electric device, and an electrical system, where the electric machines are mounted to the gearbox and the electrical system is configured to provide electricity to the electric devices, enhancing integration and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If electric machines are integrated into the aircraft powerplant with dedicated accessory gearbox, then integration and efficiency are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the powerplant into distinct functional modules: a dedicated accessory gearbox for electric machines, separate electric devices (actuators, pumps, valves), and an electrical system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while improving overall efficiency through specialized functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The accessory gearbox serves multiple functions by housing one or more electric machines and providing mechanical coupling to various electric devices. The electrical system provides universal power distribution to multiple different electric devices throughout the powerplant, enabling a single system to support diverse functionalities.
2Productivity
If electric machines are mounted to the accessory gearbox, then integration is improved, but maintenance and repair difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the electric machines into a dedicated accessory gearbox assembly, the patent enables the gearbox and its mounted electric machines to be removed and serviced as a modular unit. This segmentation maintains strong integration during operation while facilitating easier maintenance through standardized module replacement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If electrical system provides power to multiple electric devices, then versatility is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical system is designed as a universal power distribution network that can supply electricity to multiple different types of electric devices including actuators, pumps, and valves. This single versatile system replaces the need for separate power systems for each device, ultimately reducing overall complexity despite the increased number of connections.
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 improves the integration and efficiency of electric machines within the aircraft powerplant, allowing for better utilization of electric devices such as actuators, pumps, and valves, while maintaining a cooler environment for critical components.
Implementation Method 1
The electrical system is configured to receive a first current of electricity from at least one of the one or more electric machines
Implementation Method 2
The electrical system is configured to provide a second current of electricity to the first electric device
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft assembly includes a fan case, a core case, an accessory gearbox, one or more electric machines, a first electric device and an electrical system. The core case is radially inboard of the fan case. The accessory gearbox is mounted with the fan case or the core case. The one or more electric machines are mounted to the accessory gearbox. The accessory gearbox is dedicated to the one or more electric machines. The first electric device is mounted with the fan case or the core case. The electrical system is electrically coupled to the one or more electric machines and the first electric device. The electrical system is configured to receive a first current of electricity from at least one of the one or more electric machines. The electrical system is configured to provide a second current of electricity to the first electric device.