Bearing Area Heating Fixture for Turbine Engine Service
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for heating the #5 bearing area in F110-100/129 model jet engines are inefficient, taking over 20 minutes and causing uneven temperatures due to lack of containment of heat.
Innovation Solution
A fixture and method involving a two-component setup with heat-transferring ports and a mechanism for joining the components around the engine, allowing for targeted and even heating of the #5 bearing area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a heat gun is used to heat the bearing area, then the heating process can be performed with simple equipment, but the heating time exceeds 20 minutes and temperature distribution is uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The heating fixture is divided into multiple heating zones with separate heating elements positioned at different locations within the fixture. This segmentation allows simultaneous heating of multiple areas, reducing total heating time while maintaining uniform temperature distribution across the bearing area.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixture acts as an intermediary device between the heat source and the bearing area. It contains and directs heat flow through its design features including insulation materials and structured heating chambers, ensuring even heat distribution and reducing heating time compared to direct heat gun application.
2Ease of operation
If a heat gun is used to heat the bearing area, then the equipment required is simple and easy to operate, but heat is not contained in the intended area causing uneven temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The fixture incorporates insulation materials and enclosed chamber structures that contain heat within the intended bearing area. These thermal barriers prevent heat escape to surrounding areas, ensuring even temperature distribution while maintaining ease of operation through the fixture's simple attachment and removal process.
3Manufacturing precision
If tight tolerances are maintained for the bearing fit, then the shaft remains centered with no lateral movement, but heat must be applied to expand the housing which increases heating time
Solution Approach 1:
The fixture is designed to apply controlled thermal expansion to the housing around the bearing area. By concentrating heat precisely where needed through its structured design, it achieves the necessary expansion for bearing installation or removal while minimizing total heating time and maintaining tight tolerance requirements.
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
Enables faster and more even heating of the #5 bearing area, reducing heating time and ensuring consistent temperature distribution.
Implementation Method 1
one of the first component and the second component comprises at least one port for transferring heat into the interior space of an article
Implementation Method 2
heat must be applied to expand the housing enough to accept the bearing
Data Source
AI summary
A fixture for use in heating an article, which article has two open ends and portions that define an interior space. The fixture includes a first component and a second component. The first component includes a first cover for covering one open end of an article. The second component includes a second cover for covering another open end of the article. At least one of the first and second components includes a mechanism for joining the first and second components together around the article in a spaced apart relationship. At least one of the components includes a port for transferring heat into the interior space of the article. A method of using the fixture for heating a portion of a turbine engine in order to service the same is also provided.