Twin-Engine Connecting Shaft Coupling for Single-Engine Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aviation propulsion systems with two engines connected by rotating shafts face challenges in achieving multiple operating modes while ensuring operational safety, efficiency, and reducing component complexity and weight.
Innovation Solution
The connecting shafts are connected via an openable coupling, allowing one engine to be switched off in case of malfunction, with an overload protection element and gearbox unit to ensure seamless operation of the other engine, and a compact design that saves space and weight by integrating the coupling, gearbox, and overload protection element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple couplings are used to connect connecting shafts, then operational flexibility and safety are improved, but device complexity, installation space, weight, and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple coupling functions into a single multi-functional coupling device. This single coupling can connect either both connecting shafts simultaneously or only one connecting shaft, integrating the functions of multiple separate couplings while reducing overall system complexity, installation space, and weight.
2Power
If both engines operate simultaneously, then power output is maximized, but fuel consumption increases during ground operations
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system enables dynamic operational configurations where the number of active engines can be adjusted based on operational requirements. During ground operations, only one engine needs to operate while the other is switched off, reducing fuel consumption. The single coupling facilitates this by selectively connecting to one or both engines as needed.
3Power
If a faulty engine continues to operate, then power output is maintained, but system reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system allows functional segmentation where one connecting shaft can be isolated from the other through selective disconnection. When one engine becomes faulty, the coupling can be opened to disconnect that engine while maintaining connection to the healthy engine, enabling the system to continue operating with reduced power but improved reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
An aviation propulsion system for an aircraft with two engines, comprising respectively a connecting shaft which is rotatably drivable in rotation by one of the engines, wherein mutually facing ends of both connecting shafts are connected to each other or are connectable to each other in a rotatably drivable manner. Both connecting shafts are connected via their mutually facing ends in a rotatably drivable manner to one of the mutually facing ends of the connecting shafts via a openable coupling.