Dual Axial Bearing Loading for Variable Power Imbalance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bearings in multi-powerplant systems face challenges in supporting rotatable components across varying power output conditions, particularly during idle cruise regimes where one engine operates at lower power, leading to unbalanced axial loads that can exceed target load ranges, potentially reducing service life.
Innovation Solution
A bearing system with a dual axial loading structure, comprising a hydraulic piston and an elastically deformable spring, which are operationally independent, to provide compensatory loads and maintain effective loads within a target range by adjusting axial movement and energy transfer across different power modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If bearings are designed to resist high axial loads for high power output conditions, then the bearing can support the turbine shaft under maximum power conditions, but the bearing experiences excessive axial loads during idle cruise regime that can exceed target load ranges and reduce service life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamically adjustable axial loading structures (spring and hydraulic piston) that can modify the axial load applied to the bearing based on operating conditions. During high power output, the structures provide minimal resistance, allowing the bearing to handle maximum axial loads. During idle cruise regime, the structures actively apply compensatory axial loads to keep the bearing load within target ranges, thereby extending service life while maintaining high axial load capacity when needed.
2Loss of energy
If one powerplant operates at lower power output during idle cruise regime to reduce energy consumption, then overall energy consumption is reduced, but unbalanced axial loads occur that can exceed target load ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses axial loading structures (spring and hydraulic piston) that function as counterbalancing mechanisms. When one powerplant operates at reduced power during idle cruise regime, creating an unbalanced axial load condition, these structures generate compensatory axial forces in the opposite direction. This counterbalancing action maintains the bearing load within target ranges, enabling energy-efficient operation without compromising load balance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single axial loading structure is used to compensate for axial load variations, then the structure can provide load compensation, but it cannot independently adjust to different operating conditions across the full power range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the axial loading function into two independent, operationally independent axial loading structures: a spring-based structure and a hydraulic piston structure. Each structure can be independently controlled and adjusted. This segmentation allows the system to handle different operating conditions more effectively - the spring provides continuous passive compensation while the hydraulic piston provides active, controllable compensation, together covering the full range of power output conditions without requiring an overly complex single-structure solution.
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 dual axial loading structure effectively manages axial loads across a range of power outputs, ensuring the bearing system operates within a safe load range, enhancing its service life and reducing energy consumption by allowing one engine to operate in standby mode during cruise.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member disposed in the housing cavity, the biasing member extending axially away from the axial location in a first axial direction, the biasing member arranged for opposing axial movement of the outer race relative to the axial location in a second axial direction opposite the first axial direction
Implementation Method 2
a first axial loading structure disposed in the housing cavity and operatively connected to the bearing
Data Source
AI summary
A bearing system for supporting a shaft, comprising: a bearing including: an inner race about an axis, the inner race having an interior coupled to the shaft; rolling elements about the axis and around the inner race; and an outer race about the axis and around the rolling elements; a housing having a cavity defining an axial location relative to the axis, the bearing received by the cavity; a first axial loading structure in the cavity and operatively connected to the bearing; and a second axial loading structure in the cavity extending axially away from the axial location in a first axial direction, the second loading structure opposing movement of the bearing relative to the axial location in a second axial direction when the bearing loads the second axial loading structure in the second axial direction, the first and second axial loading structures operationally independent from one another.