Bearing Oil Distributor Ring Locking for Aircraft Engine Sealing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oil distribution systems for aircraft turbine engines face challenges in ensuring the rotational immobilization of components within the restricted environment of oil distribution devices, which can lead to accidental loosening and unscrewing of critical parts, affecting mechanical integrity and sealing efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a rolling bearing with an oil distribution ring and a dynamic joint annular track that includes a nut screwed onto the distribution ring, where the annular track provides axial support and rotation-locking elements, ensuring the nut is securely locked in place without additional parts, thereby preventing loosening and optimizing cost, mass, and dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a nut is screwed onto the distribution ring to tighten the internal ring axially, then the internal ring is immobilized axially, but the nut may accidentally loosen and unscrew during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the nut and the annular track into a single integrated component. The nut is formed as an integral part of the track assembly, where the track body itself serves as the nut structure with internal threading. This merging eliminates the need for a separate nut component and prevents accidental loosening through the integrated design that locks the track in rotation relative to the distribution ring.
Solution Approach 2:
The track assembly serves multiple functions: it provides axial support for the internal ring, prevents rotational movement of the nut through locking elements, and guides the dynamic joint segments. The integrated nut-track structure performs both the tightening function and the anti-loosening locking function simultaneously, demonstrating multi-functionality that resolves the contradiction.
2Reliability
If additional parts are added to prevent loosening of the nut, then reliability improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the anti-loosening mechanism directly into the track structure itself. The locking elements are integral features of the track body, formed as part of the same manufacturing process. This eliminates the need for separate locking nuts, washers, or retaining clips that would otherwise be required, thereby maintaining high reliability while minimizing device complexity and part count.
3Volume of moving object
If the annular track is positioned in the immediate vicinity of the distribution ring, then space is saved, but the restricted environment makes rotational immobilization more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested arrangement where the locking elements of the track are positioned within the radial space of the distribution ring structure. The fingers or protrusions of the track engage with corresponding recesses in the distribution ring in a nested configuration, allowing rotational locking without requiring additional axial or radial space. This nested design resolves the contradiction by achieving immobilization within the existing restricted envelope.
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 effectively immobilizes the internal ring of the bearing axially and locks the nut in rotation, enhancing the mechanical integrity and sealing efficiency of the oil distribution system while maintaining a compact design, thus preventing oil leakage and ensuring reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
a nut (16) screwed onto a thread (5d) of the distribution ring and being axially supported on a second axial end of the internal ring (12) in order to tighten it axially against said shoulder
Implementation Method 2
said annular track is configured so as to be in axial support on said distribution ring and comprises rotation-locking elements cooperating with complementary elements of the nut
Implementation Method 3
These segments are in sliding contact with the joint track. The friction between the segments of the joint and the joint track generates heat that must be evacuated
Data Source
AI summary
Device for distributing oil from a rolling bearing (8) for an aircraft turbine engine, comprising: —a rolling bearing (8), —an oil distributor ring (5) and —an annular track (26) of a dynamic seal (22), characterised in that it further comprises a nut (16) screwed on to a thread (5d) of the distributor ring and bearing axially against an axial end of the inner ring so as to clamp it axially, and in that the annular track is configured to bear axially against the distributor ring and comprises rotating locking elements (27) engaging with the additional elements (28) of the nut.