Gas Turbine Bearing Assembly With Clean Rapid Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of gas turbine engine components with interference fits is time-consuming due to the need for components to cool down after being heated, and using blown air to accelerate cooling can introduce debris, compromising cleanliness standards.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a cooling plate made of thermally conductive materials, such as steel or aluminum, that uses a closed-loop fluid system, potentially with a vortex tube to provide cooled fluid, which enhances the cooling process without direct air contact, thereby reducing assembly time while maintaining cleanliness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If components are heated to facilitate installation, then the bearing can slide over the shaft, but the assembly time increases due to cooling requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the temperature of the bearing during assembly. The bearing is heated to a specific temperature range (e.g., 80°C to 120°C) to reduce interference fit, facilitating installation. After installation, the bearing is cooled back to ambient temperature to secure the interference fit. This controlled temperature parameter change enables both easy installation and proper final fit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-heating the bearing before installation. The bearing is heated in advance to expand its inner race, creating clearance that allows it to be easily pressed onto the shaft. This preliminary heating action eliminates the need for heating during the actual installation process, streamlining the assembly operation.
2Loss of time
If blown air is used to accelerate cooling, then the cooling time is reduced, but debris is introduced to the component
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing a controlled cooling environment using a cooling chamber or enclosure. Instead of using blown air directly on the bearing, the bearing is placed in a sealed cooling chamber where ambient cooling or controlled convection occurs. This intermediary chamber prevents debris from being introduced while still enabling accelerated cooling through controlled air circulation or thermal conduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the inert atmosphere principle by creating a controlled, clean environment during the cooling process. The cooling chamber is sealed to prevent external contaminants from entering, and may use filtered air or inert gas to maintain a clean atmosphere. This ensures that the bearing cools down without exposure to debris-laden air, maintaining cleanliness standards.
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 method allows for rapid cooling of engine components during assembly, reducing the overall assembly time without introducing debris, thus improving the efficiency and cleanliness of the process.
Implementation Method 1
A method is disclosed that includes coupling a bearing to a shaft... coupling a cooling plate to the bearing... allowing the cooling plate to cool the bearing
Implementation Method 2
potentially with a vortex tube to provide cooled fluid
Data Source
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AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure are directed to components of an engine and one or more methods for assembling the components. A first component is positioned adjacent to a second component such that a first surface of the first component abuts the second component. A cooling plate (320) is coupled to the first component such that a first surface of the cooling plate (320-1) abuts a second surface of the first component. A loading ram (240) is coupled to the cooling plate (320) such that a second surface (320-2) of the cooling plate (320) abuts the loading ram (240).