Dummy Manifold Segment for Flexible Gas Turbine Fuel Nozzle Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel manifold designs for gas turbine engines are complex and costly due to the need for different types of fuel nozzles at opposed terminal ends, which increases complexity and cost, especially when a flexible manifold configuration is required.
Innovation Solution
A fuel supply system with a manifold ring that includes dummy manifold segments acting as plugs between adjacent fuel nozzles, allowing the manifold ring to be interrupted locally, enabling the use of a single type of fuel nozzle with transfer tube connectivity on both sides, and incorporating a mistake proofing bracket to prevent incorrect installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible manifold configuration with partial ring structure is used, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to requiring different types of fuel nozzles at opposed terminal ends
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making all fuel nozzles identical in design and function. The dummy manifold segment serves multiple purposes: it maintains the partial ring configuration for flexibility while also serving as a plug to close the manifold at the terminal end, eliminating the need for specialized different-type nozzles at opposed ends.
Solution Approach 2:
The dummy manifold segment acts as an intermediary element between the fuel source and the terminal end of the manifold. It provides the necessary structural connection and fluid sealing without requiring special nozzle designs, thereby simplifying the overall system while maintaining adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different types of fuel nozzles are used at opposed terminal ends, then manifold configuration flexibility is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dummy manifold segment provides a universal solution that eliminates the need for manufacturing different types of fuel nozzles. By using identical nozzles throughout and incorporating the dummy segment as a multi-functional element (structural support + fluid sealing), manufacturing costs are reduced through standardization.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of creating unique specialized nozzles for terminal ends, the patent uses copies of the standard fuel nozzle design throughout the system. The dummy manifold segment replicates the functional requirements of a nozzle connection without requiring a different nozzle type, thereby simplifying manufacturing.
3Ease of manufacture
If identical fuel nozzles are used throughout the manifold, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but the ability to create flexible partial ring configurations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The dummy manifold segment serves as an intermediary that enables partial ring configurations while using identical nozzles. It provides the necessary structural and fluid sealing functions at the terminal end, allowing the manifold to be configured in flexible partial ring arrangements without requiring specialized nozzle designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold is segmented into active fuel distribution sections and a dummy closure section. This segmentation allows the identical nozzles to be used in the active sections while the dummy segment provides the necessary closure and structural support for flexible partial ring configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
A gas turbine engine fuel supply system has a plurality of fuel nozzles fluidly connected to a source of fuel by transfer tubes extending between the fuel nozzles. At least one plug extends between first and second adjacent nozzles of the set of fuel nozzles. The plug has a first end plugging a port on the first adjacent nozzle and a second end plugging another port on the second adjacent nozzle.