Gas Turbine Coupling Element with Centrifugal Cooling Passageways
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Solution Overview
Problem
Polymer coupling elements are limited in high temperature environments due to their melting point limitations, making them unsuitable for transmitting torque in aircraft engine regions that reach temperatures as high as 1500°F or higher.
Innovation Solution
A torque transmission system featuring a coupling element that engages both the engine shaft and transmission shaft, defining fluid passageways to facilitate torque transfer and incorporating a method of cooling through centrifugal fluid flow, allowing the use of compressible and flexible materials like polymers in high temperature conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If polymer coupling elements are used for torque transmission, then flexibility and ease of operation are improved, but temperature resistance deteriorates due to melting point limitations
Solution Approach 1:
A cooling fluid is introduced as an intermediary substance that flows through passageways in the coupling element, absorbing heat from the polymer material and transferring it away, thereby enabling the flexible polymer to operate in high-temperature environments without melting
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes fluid dynamics by introducing a cooling fluid (liquid or gas) that flows through internal passageways of the coupling element, using the kinetic energy and heat transfer properties of the fluid to remove heat from the polymer material during rotation
2Temperature
If cooling fluid passageways are added to the coupling element, then temperature resistance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element maintains a relatively simple external form while incorporating internal cooling passageways within its structure, allowing the fluid cooling function to be integrated without significantly increasing external complexity or compromising the flexible polymer construction
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling fluid passageways serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for the polymer material, enable heat removal, and potentially provide lubrication, thereby adding temperature resistance without proportionally increasing device complexity
3Temperature
If centrifugal cooling is implemented, then temperature resistance and self-lubrication are improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating coupling element itself generates the centrifugal force needed to drive the cooling fluid through the passageways, converting its own rotational kinetic energy into fluid flow without requiring external pumps or additional energy input systems
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
Enables effective torque transmission and self-lubrication/cooling in high temperature environments, maintaining the integrity and functionality of the coupling element by utilizing fluid passageways to manage heat and misalignment between shafts.
Implementation Method 1
the fluid being caused to centrifugally flow along the at least one fluid passageway due to rotation of the two shafts
Implementation Method 2
a first surface configured to engage a surface of the engine shaft, the coupling element also including a second surface configured to engage a surface of the transmission shaft, to facilitate transmission of torque
Data Source
AI summary
A gas turbine engine having a coupling element for coupling a first shaft to a second shaft, the second shaft being substantially axially aligned with the first shaft, the coupling element provided with an exterior surface that engages an opposing interior surface of the first shaft and an interior surface that engages an opposing exterior surface of the second shaft to facilitate torque transfer between the first shaft and the second shaft when rotated together, wherein the coupling element and at least one of the first and second shafts cooperate to define at least one fluid passageway therebetween.