Bearing Lubrication Ring with Annular Dam and Axial Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lubrication systems for high-speed bearing assemblies in gas turbine engines experience stress concentration and uneven lubricant distribution due to the use of pins for alignment, leading to premature wear and inadequate lubrication, especially at high speeds.
Innovation Solution
A system with a forward and aft ring configuration, featuring a distribution annulus, axial channels, radial holes, and an annular dam on the forward ring, and radial face slots and holes on the aft ring, which allows for even circumferential distribution of lubricant to the cage rails and bearings, eliminating the need for anti-rotation pins and ensuring consistent lubrication regardless of ring orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a pin is used to maintain alignment between forward and aft rings, then alignment is maintained, but stress concentration occurs leading to premature bearing wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the alignment pin from the bearing assembly design. Instead of using a pin to maintain alignment between forward and aft rings, the system relies on the self-aligning properties of the split-face inner ring configuration combined with proper cage design, eliminating the stress concentration caused by the pin while maintaining necessary alignment through alternative means
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than using a rigid pin to enforce alignment, the patent inverts the approach by allowing the rings to self-align through their structural design. The split-face configuration and cage geometry work together to maintain proper ring orientation without mechanical constraint, transforming from a forced alignment system to a self-aligning system
2Reliability
If conventional lubrication distribution is used, then lubrication is provided, but uneven circumferential distribution of lubricant occurs at high speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements localized lubrication features including axial channels positioned at specific locations on the inner ring, radial holes distributed circumferentially, and an annular dam structure. These local quality enhancements ensure that lubricant is delivered precisely where needed throughout the bearing assembly, achieving uniform circumferential distribution even at high rotational speeds
Solution Approach 2:
The lubrication system is segmented into multiple independent pathways: axial channels for primary lubricant delivery, radial holes for circumferential distribution, and an annular dam for lubricant retention and even spacing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function in the lubrication sequence, ensuring comprehensive and uniform coverage
3Speed
If high speed operation is achieved, then operational efficiency increases, but waviness condition in split face inner ring causes inadequate lubrication distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates an annular dam structure that retains and evenly distributes lubricant before it reaches the bearing contact surfaces. This preliminary lubrication action ensures that even if waviness develops in the split-face inner ring during high-speed operation, the lubricant distribution remains uniform because it is established before the lubricant contacts the potentially wavy surface
Solution Approach 2:
The axial channels and annular dam configuration provide a cushioning effect by maintaining a reservoir of lubricant that compensates for surface irregularities. This beforehand cushioning ensures continuous and even lubrication delivery even when ring waviness occurs during high-speed operation, protecting against inadequate lubrication
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems are provided for supplying oil from an oil source to a bearing assembly, the bearing assembly including a cage having a forward rail (158) and an aft rail (160), and at least one bearing (152) disposed therebetween.