Aircraft Engine Joint Assembly With Spring Beams for Sealed Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft engine joints lack effective sealing and secure mounting mechanisms, leading to potential movement and inefficiencies during operation.
Innovation Solution
A joint assembly featuring a case, housing, and a component with cantilevered spring beams that provide a sealed engagement and secure mounting by axially biasing a rim towards the case, using spring beams to ensure a fixed and sealed connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional rigid mounting mechanisms are used, then structural strength is maintained, but sealing effectiveness deteriorates due to inability to accommodate tolerances and movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from a rigid mounting structure to one incorporating elastic spring beams. The spring beams can deflect and change their physical state, allowing the joint to accommodate manufacturing tolerances and operational movements while maintaining both sealing effectiveness and mounting security. The elastic deformation of the spring beams enables continuous contact and sealing without compromising structural integrity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If fixed rigid connections are used between components, then manufacturing precision requirements are reduced, but movement and instability during operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by replacing static rigid connections with dynamic spring beam elements. These spring beams can adapt their configuration in response to operational conditions, absorbing movements and maintaining stable component engagement. The dynamic elasticity of the spring beams compensates for manufacturing tolerances while ensuring operational stability, as the beams can deflect to accommodate misalignments and then return to maintain proper engagement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If spring beams are used to provide sealed engagement, then adaptability to tolerances is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible spring beams that function similarly to flexible elements, using elastic deformation to accommodate tolerances and provide sealing. The spring beams are designed with specific geometric features (cantilevered configuration, axial spacing from the case) that enable them to flex and adapt to manufacturing variations while maintaining a simple overall joint structure. This flexible element approach provides adaptability without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms or multiple components.
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 assembly provides a secure, sealed engagement between engine components, reducing movement and accommodating manufacturing tolerances while maintaining a stable connection during aircraft engine operation.
Implementation Method 1
The spring beams are cantilevered from the rim, are axially spaced from the case and axially engage the housing such that the spring beams bias the rim axially towards the case to provide a sealed engagement axially between the mount and the case
Data Source
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AI summary
An assembly (20) includes a case (22), a housing (24) and a component (26). The case (22) includes an aperture (54), an exterior side (48) and an interior side (46). The aperture (54) extends axially along an axis (40) through the case (22) from the exterior side (48) to the interior side (46). The interior side (46) forms a peripheral boundary of an internal volume (32) of the aircraft engine. A cavity (72) is formed by and extends axially between the housing (24) and the case (22). The component (26) includes a projection (94) and a mount (92) that is disposed within the cavity (72). The projection (94) projects axially out from the mount (92), through the aperture (54), and into the internal volume (32) to a distal end of the component (26). The mount (92) includes a rim and a plurality of spring beams. The spring beams bias the rim axially towards the case (22) to provide a sealed engagement axially between the mount (92) and the case (22).