Centerbody Generator Wiring Layout for Compact Turbine Packaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gas turbine engines face challenges in efficiently packaging generators due to spatial constraints, particularly when coaxial integration is desired, leading to issues with wiring bending and clearance requirements.

Innovation Solution

A centerbody generator system is introduced, where the generator is mounted coaxially within the centerbody, secured by struts and fasteners, with wiring passing through recesses in the centerbody to minimize bending and optimize radial clearance, allowing for a more compact and efficient generator placement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the generator is mounted coaxially within the centerbody, then packaging efficiency is improved and radial clearance is optimized, but wiring routing becomes more complex and difficult to install

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepackaging efficiencyVSAvoidwiring installation difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The centerbody is divided into multiple sections (first section with recesses, second section blocking openings) to create designated wiring pathways. This segmentation allows wiring to be routed through specific channels during assembly, making installation easier while maintaining compact coaxial packaging.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The recesses in the first section and blocked openings in the second section act as intermediary structures that guide and protect wiring. These intermediary features provide dedicated pathways that simplify wiring routing within the constrained coaxial space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Volume of moving object

If the generator is positioned closer to the turbine, then spatial constraints are reduced and packaging is optimized, but wiring bending increases and clearance requirements are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespatial constraintsVSAvoidwiring bending

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The recesses are pre-formed in the centerbody structure before final assembly. This preliminary action creates ready-made wiring channels that guide cables along optimal paths, preventing excessive bending even when the generator is positioned close to the turbine for space optimization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the centerbody structure is made more complex to accommodate wiring, then wiring protection is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewiring protectionVSAvoidcenterbody structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Rather than making the entire centerbody complex, recesses and blocked openings are added only in specific local areas where wiring needs to be routed and protected. This localized approach provides necessary wiring protection while minimizing overall structural complexity and maintaining manufacturability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS20250376930A1Turbine Engine Centerbody Generator

Publication Date: 2025.12.11 RTX CORP

AI summary

A gas turbine engine has: a compressor; a combustor; a turbine; a generator in a centerbody and coupled to the turbine; a case; a plurality of struts mounting the centerbody to the case; and wiring passing through at least one of the struts to the generator. The centerbody has: a first member having a forward rim and at least one recess extending aft from an opening at the forward rim, the wiring passing through the recess; at least a second member blocking the opening; and a threaded fastener securing the strut to the second member.