Geared Turbine Engine Oil Gutter with Tapered Spiral Channel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid collection gutters in turbine engines have low oil capture efficiencies, leading to reduced power transfer efficiency and lubrication oil availability, especially during negative g maneuvers.
Innovation Solution
A fluid collection gutter with a channel geometry that transitions from a rectangular inner region to a triangular outer region, featuring a conduit that spirals around the centerline, enhancing fluid capture efficiency by balancing channel area and fluid velocity, and reducing gas-to-fluid ratio.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional gutter configuration is used, then the device complexity is low, but the fluid capture efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The channel is divided into multiple regions (first region, second region, third region) with different geometries. The first region has a rectangular cross-section, the second region has a triangular cross-section, and the third region has a rectangular cross-section. This segmentation allows each region to perform its specific function optimally, improving overall fluid capture efficiency while managing complexity through functional zoning.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the channel are given different geometric properties tailored to their specific functions. The triangular second region creates a vortex flow pattern for separating gas from fluid, while the rectangular first and third regions provide stable fluid collection and transport. This local differentiation of geometric quality optimizes performance in each zone.
2Productivity
If the channel area is increased to capture more fluid, then the fluid capture efficiency improves, but the gas-to-fluid ratio increases
Solution Approach 1:
The channel utilizes curved and spiral geometries, particularly in the second region with its triangular cross-section that induces vortex flow. This curvature creates centrifugal forces that separate heavier fluid from lighter gas, allowing the channel to capture fluid efficiently while naturally excluding gas through the vortex separation mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The design exploits fluid dynamics principles where the vortex flow pattern created in the triangular region uses centrifugal separation to divide gas and fluid phases. The hydraulic design of the channel geometry allows fluid to follow the curved path while gas is thrown outward and separated, maintaining low gas-to-fluid ratio despite large channel area.
3Quantity of substance
If lubrication oil is not adequately collected, then the auxiliary lubrication system has insufficient oil availability, but increasing collection may cause oil to re-contact the gear train
Solution Approach 1:
The gutter system extracts lubrication oil from the gear train environment through the channel and conduit structure. The oil is pulled away from the gear train via the channel flow path and removed from the operational space, preventing re-contact while ensuring adequate collection for the auxiliary lubrication system.
Solution Approach 2:
The gutter extends in the axial direction beyond the gear train, collecting oil that flows axially outward. The conduit may spiral around the centerline, utilizing three-dimensional space to transport oil away from the gear train without interfering with its operation. This dimensional extension allows complete oil removal without creating harmful re-contact conditions.
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 gutter design significantly improves fluid capture efficiency, reducing re-contact with the gear train and enhancing lubrication oil availability, thereby increasing power transfer efficiency and supporting auxiliary lubrication systems.
Implementation Method 1
enhancing fluid capture efficiency by balancing channel area and fluid velocity
Implementation Method 2
The gutter may include a conduit that extends through the gutter and/or spirals at least partially around the centerline between the channel outlet and a conduit outlet.
Data Source
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AI summary
A turbine engine system includes a gutter (40) and a gear train (22) with an axial centerline (28). The gutter (40) is disposed radially outside of the axial centerline (28). The gutter (40) at least partially circumscribes the gear train (22), and includes an inner surface (42) and a channel (44). The channel (44) receives fluid directed out of the gear train (22). The channel (44) extends radially into the gutter (40) from the inner surface (42) to a channel end (84), and circumferentially to a channel outlet (58, 58'). At least a portion of the channel (44) has a cross-sectional channel geometry that tapers axially as the channel (44) extends radially towards the channel end (84).