Electronic Module Mounting on Gas Turbine Firewall
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrical components in gas turbine engines face challenges when located on the hot side of the firewall due to high operating temperatures, which can lead to reduced service life and functionality.
Innovation Solution
An electromechanical component arrangement where an electronic module is vibrationally isolated and physically positioned on the cold side of the firewall, connected to mechanical components via cables or couplings through the firewall, utilizing vibration isolators such as springs or elastomeric dampers to prevent thermal and vibrational damage, while maintaining operational connectivity with electrical controllers or motors on the cold side.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If electrical components are located on the hot side of the firewall to be close to mechanical components, then operational connectivity is improved, but temperature exposure increases reducing service life
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two segments: mechanical components remain on the hot side while electrical components are separated and located on the cold side of the firewall. This segmentation allows each component type to operate in its optimal temperature environment while maintaining functional connectivity through the firewall interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The firewall itself acts as an intermediary structure that enables connection between hot-side mechanical components and cold-side electrical components. The firewall's opening and mounting structure serve as the mediator that maintains operational connectivity while providing thermal protection.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If electrical components are located on the cold side of the firewall to reduce temperature exposure, then service life is extended, but operational connectivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates mechanical and electrical components into different thermal zones, with electrical components segmented out to the cold side. This maintains service life while the firewall interface preserves operational connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The firewall opening and mounting structure serve as the intermediary that enables operational connectivity between cold-side electrical components and hot-side mechanical components, extending service life without sacrificing functionality.
3Reliability
If vibration isolators are added to protect electronic modules from vibrations, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support for the electronic module, enables thermal isolation by positioning the module on the cold side, and provides vibration isolation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate vibration isolation components.
Solution Approach 2:
The vibration isolation function is merged with the mounting structure itself. The mounting structure on the firewall combines support, positioning, and vibration isolation capabilities into a single integrated component, reducing overall device complexity.
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
Effectively protects electrical components from high temperatures and vibrations, extending their service life and ensuring reliable operation by maintaining them at a lower temperature while allowing mechanical components to operate on the hot side, thus enhancing the overall performance and longevity of gas turbine engine components.
Implementation Method 1
A vibration isolator is located in the housing to locate and support the mounting frame therein. The vibration isolator is configured to vibrationally isolate the electronic module from gas turbine engine vibrations.
Implementation Method 2
The vibration isolator is one or more of a spring, an elastomeric damper, an air cylinder/piston arrangement or an oil filled cylinder/piston arrangement.
Implementation Method 3
The vibration isolator is one or more of a spring, an elastomeric damper, an air cylinder/piston arrangement or an oil filled cylinder/piston arrangement.
Implementation Method 4
The vibration isolator is one or more of a spring, an elastomeric damper, an air cylinder/piston arrangement or an oil filled cylinder/piston arrangement.
Implementation Method 5
The vibration isolator is one or more of a spring, an elastomeric damper, an air cylinder/piston arrangement or an oil filled cylinder/piston arrangement.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
An electromechanical component arrangement for a gas turbine engine includes a mechanical component located at a first side of a firewall. An electronic module assembly of the electromechanical component is connected to the mechanical component and includes a housing 84, a mounting frame 88 located in the housing 84 and an electronic module 62 secured to the mounting frame 88. The electronic module 62 is operably connected to the mechanical component via a module cable. A vibration isolator 80 is located in the housing 84 to locate and support the mounting frame 88 therein. The vibration isolator 80 is configured to vibrationally isolate the electronic module from gas turbine engine vibrations. A cover plate 70 is secured to the housing 84 and the first side of the firewall, while the housing 84 extends from the cover plate 70 through a module opening in the firewall to a second side of the firewall having a lower operating temperature than the first side.