Dual-path fluid injection jet for aircraft gearbox lubrication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid systems, particularly those used in harsh environments like aircraft gearboxes, are prone to catastrophic failures due to wear and damage, leading to potential system malfunctions and inoperability.
Innovation Solution
A dual-path fluid system with a main subsystem and an emergency subsystem, including a one-way passage valve and injection jets, which allows fluid to be channeled from both reservoirs during standard mode and solely from the emergency reservoir during emergency mode, ensuring continuous lubrication and preventing gearbox seizure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single fluid subsystem is used, then the system structure is simple, but the reliability is low due to catastrophic failures from wear and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid system is divided into two independent subsystems: a main subsystem with a main reservoir and main pump, and an emergency subsystem with an emergency reservoir and emergency pump. This segmentation allows the system to maintain reliability through redundancy while managing complexity through modular design of the dual-path injection jet.
Solution Approach 2:
The emergency subsystem is prepared in advance to provide lubrication if the main subsystem fails. The emergency reservoir and pump are pre-configured with sufficient fluid capacity to sustain the working element during emergency operation, providing a safety buffer against catastrophic failure.
2Reliability
If a dual-path fluid system with main and emergency subsystems is implemented, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The main and emergency fluid paths are merged into a single dual-path injection jet that can receive fluid from either or both subsystems. This merging simplifies the overall system architecture by consolidating the injection function into one component rather than requiring separate injection mechanisms for each subsystem.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual-path injection jet serves multiple functions: it can operate in standard mode receiving fluid from both main and emergency subsystems, in emergency mode receiving fluid only from the emergency subsystem, and in transition mode switching between modes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components.
3Duration of action of moving object
If conventional single-path injection jets are used, then device complexity is low, but the ability to provide continuous lubrication during emergency mode is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The injection jet incorporates dynamic flow control capabilities with movable elements that can adjust the injection paths based on operating conditions. This allows the system to transition between standard and emergency modes by dynamically redirecting fluid flow without requiring complex mechanical switching mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
An injection jet (437) includes a body (601) having a first (701) and a second (703) passage disposed therein for channeling a fluid to a working element (303). The first passage (701) remains fluidly separated from the second passage (703). A system includes the injection jet (437) along with a main reservoir (405) and an emergency reservoir (415). The first passage (701) is in fluid communication with the main reservoir (405), while the second passage (703) is in fluid communication with the emergency reservoir (415). The system operates in a standard mode and an emergency mode. Both the first passage (701) and the second passage (703) are configured for jointly supplying fluid to the working element during standard mode. The second passage is configured for independently supplying fluid to the working element (303) during emergency mode.