Bearing Oil Distributor Ring Locking Against Nut Unscrewing

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Solution Overview

Problem

In aircraft turbomachines, existing oil distribution systems for rolling bearings face challenges in ensuring the immobilization of components relative to each other within the restricted environment, particularly in preventing accidental unscrewing and loosening of the nut, while maintaining effective lubrication and cooling.

Innovation Solution

An oil distribution device with a nut screwed onto the distribution ring to tighten the internal ring axially, utilizing the dynamic seal track for rotation blocking, thereby ensuring immobilization without adding extra parts, optimizing cost, mass, and size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering 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 axial immobilization of the bearing is improved, but the risk of accidental unscrewing and loosening increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaxial immobilizationVSAvoidresistance to unscrewing
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The dynamic seal track serves as an intermediary element that provides rotation blocking features (teeth or protrusions) to prevent unscrewing of the nut. This mediator component transforms the simple nut into a secured fastening system without requiring a completely different fastening mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The dynamic seal track is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides the sealing function for the oil chamber and simultaneously provides rotation blocking features to prevent nut loosening. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate anti-loosening components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If rotation locking elements are added to prevent nut loosening, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of accidental unscrewingVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dynamic seal track is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides the sealing function for the oil chamber and simultaneously provides rotation blocking features to prevent nut loosening. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate anti-loosening components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The rotation blocking features are merged into the existing dynamic seal track structure. The teeth or protrusions are integrated into the seal track's design, combining the sealing and anti-loosening functions into a single component rather than using separate elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If additional parts are added for rotation locking, then the reliability is improved, but the overall mass and axial size increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimmobilization securityVSAvoiddevice mass
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The dynamic seal track is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides the sealing function for the oil chamber and simultaneously provides rotation blocking features to prevent nut loosening. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate anti-loosening components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The existing dynamic seal track structure is utilized to provide the rotation blocking function. The seal track's own geometry (teeth or protrusions) serves the dual purpose of sealing and preventing nut loosening, making the system self-sufficient without external additions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Reliability

If the nut is locked in rotation by the dynamic seal track, then the reliability is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotation lockingVSAvoidengagement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The rotation blocking function is achieved through discrete teeth or protrusions on the dynamic seal track that engage with corresponding features on the nut. This segmentation approach provides defined engagement points that are easier to manufacture with standard tolerances compared to continuous engagement surfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 nut and internal ring, preventing accidental unscrewing while maintaining efficient lubrication and cooling, thus enhancing the mechanical integrity and operational reliability of the turbomachine's rolling bearings.

Implementation Method 1

a nut screwed onto a thread of the distribution ring and bearing axially on a second axial end of the internal ring to tighten it axially against said shoulder

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 2

said annular track is configured to bear axially on said distribution ring and comprises rotation locking elements cooperating with complementary elements of the nut

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Locking: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 3

said annular track is configured to bear axially on said distribution ring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force Transmission: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP4127415B1Oil distribution apparatus for a roller bearing of an aircraft turbomachine
Publication Date: 2024.07.03 SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINES SAS
  • EP4127415B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4127415B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4127415B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

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.