Articulating Coupling Assembly for Gas Turbine Engines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing articulating coupling assemblies in gas turbine engines face wear and potential fluid leakage due to large thermal differences and torque, which can lead to dislocation and leakage from coupled pipes.
Innovation Solution
An articulating coupling assembly featuring a spherical bearing with a circumferential array of slots and radially inwardly extending dogs, accommodating both single and double skinned pipes, and incorporating a long reach nut for secure connection and fluid flow, while preventing relative rotation and accommodating thermal expansion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a spherical bearing is used to allow articulation between the pipe and support structure, then thermal expansion accommodation is improved, but wear and potential dislocation occur due to large thermal differences and torque
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical bearing surface is segmented with multiple circumferential slots that divide the continuous bearing surface into discrete segments. These slots accommodate relative movement and reduce wear by allowing controlled displacement, preventing the harmful effects of thermal expansion while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The circumferential slots act as intermediaries between the spherical bearing surfaces, allowing controlled relative movement and accommodating thermal expansion without direct contact wear. The slots mediate the interaction between the pipe and support structure, reducing the harmful effects of thermal differences.
2Stability of the object's composition
If anti-rotation features are incorporated to prevent pipe rotation during installation, then connection stability is improved, but wear on anti-rotation features occurs due to torque and thermal effects
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-rotation feature is segmented into multiple discrete engagement points around the circumference of the spherical bearing. This segmentation distributes the torque load across multiple points, reducing wear on individual features while maintaining overall connection stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The anti-rotation features are strategically positioned at specific locations on the spherical bearing surface, creating localized engagement points that provide rotational restraint. The local quality of these features is optimized to withstand torque while accommodating thermal expansion through the flexible slot design.
3Weight of moving object
If a compact and lightweight coupling assembly is designed, then installation ease and engine integration are improved, but structural strength to withstand high forces and thermal loads may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling assembly utilizes a spherical bearing geometry that provides inherent strength-to-weight advantages. The curved spherical surface distributes mechanical and thermal loads more evenly compared to flat or angular designs, maintaining structural integrity while minimizing weight for compact engine integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling assembly employs composite construction combining materials with different thermal and mechanical properties. This allows the structure to withstand high thermal and mechanical loads while maintaining a compact, lightweight design suitable for gas turbine engine applications.
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 provides a resilient, compact, and lightweight coupling assembly that effectively prevents fluid leakage and maintains secure pipe connections under high forces and temperature variations, ensuring reliable operation in gas turbine engines.
Implementation Method 1
Due to large thermal differences arising in its environment during the operation of the engine, the pipe must be allowed to move radially and articulate relative to the engine support structures throughout engine operation
Implementation Method 2
large temperature differences and relative displacements acting on the pipe may be a cause of wear on the location and anti-rotation features of the coupling assembly
Data Source
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AI summary
An articulating coupling assembly for coupling a pipe end (31) to a support structure, the assembly comprising; a pipe end fitting (34) configured for fitting onto a free end (31) of a pipe, a spherical bearing (35) which is part of said pipe end fitting (34), the spherical bearing (35) having a maximum diameter not greater than that of the pipe end fitting (34), a flanged collar (33) configured to receive the pipe end fitting (34) in a snug fit, a radially outer wall (35a) of the spherical bearing (35) having one or more slots (36) extending along the bearing in a direction parallel to the axial direction of said pipe, a radially inner wall of the flanged collar (33) having one or more radially inwardly protruding dogs (37) proportioned to be received snugly in the one or more slots (36) of the radially outer wall (35a) of the spherical bearing (35).