Annular Cover with Integrated Conduits for Turbomachine Lubrication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing annular covers for turbomachine lubrication chambers have reduced rigidity and mechanical strength, making them susceptible to damage from vibrations, which can compromise the seals and lead to oil leaks.
Innovation Solution
An annular cover with integrated oil suction ducts made of composite materials, such as carbon fibers and thermoplastic matrices, that provide reinforcement and increased rigidity, reducing the risk of damage from vibrations and enhancing the structural integrity while maintaining the functionality of the lubrication system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the annular cover includes separate pressurization tubes and channels, then the lubrication chamber can be pressurized to reduce leakage, but the rigidity and mechanical strength of the cover are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pressurization tubes and channels directly into the annular cover structure itself, eliminating separate components. The cover incorporates integrated pressurization channels that are formed as part of the cover body, allowing pressurization functionality to be combined with the structural element, thereby maintaining mechanical strength while achieving sealing performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials for the annular cover, combining materials with different properties to achieve both the required mechanical strength and the integrated pressurization functionality. The composite structure allows the cover to maintain rigidity while incorporating channels and tubes for pressurization.
2Reliability
If the annular cover includes separate pressurization tubes and channels, then the lubrication chamber can be pressurized to reduce leakage, but the rigidity of the cover is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pressurization tubes and channels directly into the annular cover structure itself, eliminating separate components. The cover incorporates integrated pressurization channels that are formed as part of the cover body, allowing pressurization functionality to be combined with the structural element, thereby maintaining rigidity while achieving sealing performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by strategically positioning and designing the pressurization channels within the cover structure. The channels are integrated in specific locations and configurations that minimize their impact on overall rigidity while maximizing their effectiveness in pressurizing the lubrication chamber and preventing leakage.
3Strength
If the annular cover is made with integrated conduits, then the mechanical resistance and rigidity are enhanced, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials for the annular cover, which can be manufactured using composite material processing techniques such as filament winding or resin infusion. These techniques allow the integration of pressurization channels and structural elements in a single manufacturing process, reducing the number of assembly steps despite the complexity of the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the pressurization tubes and channels directly into the annular cover structure itself, eliminating separate components. The cover incorporates integrated pressurization channels that are formed as part of the cover body, allowing pressurization functionality to be combined with the structural element, thereby maintaining mechanical strength while achieving sealing performance.
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 the mechanical resistance and rigidity of the annular cover, reducing the likelihood of seal damage and oil leaks, while also optimizing the mechanical resistance and reducing the mass of the assembly, thus improving the overall performance and reliability of the turbomachine.
Implementation Method 1
The conduit(s) are made of a composite material, preferably a composite with carbon fibers and a thermoplastic matrix such as polyetheretherketone, polyetherimide, or polyamide
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an annular cover (40) for a turbomachine rotary bearing lubrication enclosure. The cover (40) comprises a generally circular and flared wall (50) with an opening for receiving a drive shaft and, opposite it, a mounting surface (88) for the cover, and at least one conduit (56) communicating with the interior of the wall (50) and extending along the wall (50) to the mounting surface (88). The conduit (56) is formed within the thickness of the body (49) of the wall (50), which is made of a material comprising a thermoplastic matrix composite material and carbon fibers. The invention also relates to a turbomachine comprising a compressor connected to a turbine via a drive shaft, an intermediate fan housing, and a bearing articulating the drive shaft relative to the intermediate housing.The housing is arranged in a lubrication enclosure delimited by an annular enclosure cover, an enclosure housing supporting the bearing and the cover (40).