Bearing Inner Ring Gutter for Uniform Lubricant Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
In rolling element bearings for turbine engines, the non-uniform distribution of lubrication oil through the seal plate leads to uneven temperature differentials and increased thermally induced stresses and distortions due to the mismatch in the number of fluid passages between the inner ring and the seal plate.
Innovation Solution
The inner ring is designed with an inlet channel extending axially and circumferentially, featuring an annular notch and an annular groove, which directs lubricant fluid through axial and radial passages to create a gutter for uniform distribution, ensuring equal fluid distribution to all seal plate passages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the number of fluid passages in the seal plate is greater than the number of fluid passages in the inner ring, then more lubrication oil can be distributed to the seal plate, but the distribution becomes non-uniform with some passages receiving more oil than others
Solution Approach 1:
A gutter is introduced as an intermediary component between the inner ring and the seal plate. The gutter receives lubrication oil from the inner ring and redistributes it to multiple passages in the seal plate, ensuring uniform distribution. This mediator component solves the problem of non-uniform oil distribution when the seal plate has more passages than the inner ring provides.
Solution Approach 2:
The gutter extends in a dimension perpendicular to the main flow direction, creating a circumferential distribution path. By adding this dimensional element, the system can distribute oil uniformly across multiple seal plate passages that would otherwise receive non-uniform distribution from direct radial connections.
2Quantity of substance
If lubrication oil is non-uniformly distributed through the seal plate, then some areas receive excessive oil while others receive insufficient oil, but this creates non-uniform temperature differentials that increase thermally induced stresses and distortions
Solution Approach 1:
The gutter acts as a mediating distribution system that equalizes oil flow to all seal plate passages, preventing localized overheating and uniform thermal distribution. This eliminates non-uniform temperature differentials and the resulting thermal stresses and distortions in the seal plate.
Solution Approach 2:
The gutter design ensures homogeneous distribution of lubrication oil across all seal plate passages. By creating uniform oil flow distribution, the system achieves uniform cooling, which eliminates non-uniform temperature differentials and prevents thermally induced stresses and distortions.
3Quantity of substance
If fluid passages in the seal plate are located circumferentially closest to the fluid passages in the inner ring, then those passages receive a larger portion of lubrication oil, but this creates non-uniform distribution throughout the seal plate
Solution Approach 1:
The gutter serves as an intermediary redistribution system that receives oil from the inner ring and evenly distributes it to all seal plate passages regardless of their circumferential position. This eliminates the proximity-based non-uniform distribution that would otherwise occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The gutter creates an equipotential distribution system where all seal plate passages receive equal oil flow pressure and quantity, regardless of their location. This equalizes the flow potential to all passages, preventing the circumferential position bias that causes non-uniform distribution.
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 design achieves a uniform distribution of lubrication oil, reducing thermally induced stresses and distortions in the seal plate by ensuring all passages receive equal amounts of lubricant, thereby enhancing the bearing's performance and longevity.
Implementation Method 1
The inner ring may include an inlet channel that is adapted to direct lubricant into the first passage inlets and the second passage inlets. The inlet channel may extend axially into the inner ring from the first end.
Data Source
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AI summary
A rolling element bearing includes a plurality of rolling elements that are arranged circumferentially around an axis, and radially between a bearing inner ring and a bearing outer ring. The inner ring extends axially between a first end and a second end, and includes a plurality of passages that are fluidly coupled with a channel. The passages are arranged circumferentially around the axis. The channel extends axially into the inner ring from the second end, and includes a gutter that extends radially into and axially within the inner ring.