Externally Replaceable Turbine Engine Valve Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve assemblies in gas turbine engines are difficult to inspect and replace due to their deep integration within the engine structure, necessitating a solution for more frequent inspection and replacement.
Innovation Solution
A valve assembly design for a turbine engine that includes a valve element, actuator, and linkage, allowing for selective fluid coupling between flow paths, with features enabling removal and installation without accessing the engine's interior, such as a spring-loaded actuator and pivot joints, facilitating independent detachment and reattachment of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the valve assembly is integrated within the engine structure to achieve compact design, then the engine structure becomes more compact, but the valve assembly becomes difficult to inspect and replace
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is divided into separate modular components including the valve body, actuator, and linkage elements that can be independently removed and handled. This segmentation allows the valve assembly to be compact when installed while enabling easy inspection and replacement by allowing components to be detached without accessing the engine interior.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly is designed to be extractable from the engine structure through external access points. The linkage system includes removable connections that allow the valve assembly to be taken out for inspection and replacement without disassembling the engine, thus maintaining compact integration while enabling easy maintenance.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the valve assembly is deeply integrated within the engine structure, then the engine design achieves better structural integration, but maintenance complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly components are segmented into modular units with standardized connection interfaces. This allows the valve assembly to be structurally integrated within the engine while maintaining simple maintenance procedures through easy detachment and reattachment of standardized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage system employs universal connection mechanisms that can accommodate different valve assembly configurations. The standardized interfaces and removable connections provide multi-functional capability, allowing the same linkage structure to serve both structural integration and easy maintenance requirements.
3Productivity
If the valve assembly components are designed for independent handling, then maintenance efficiency increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is segmented into independently handleable components with simplified connection mechanisms. This segmentation enables maintenance personnel to quickly remove and replace individual components without complex disassembly procedures, improving maintenance efficiency while keeping each component relatively simple in design.
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage system is designed with self-aligning and self-latching features that enable independent handling and replacement of valve assembly components. The standardized interfaces allow maintenance personnel to service the valve assembly without specialized tools or complex procedures, improving maintenance efficiency while maintaining reasonable component 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
Enables easier inspection and replacement of valve assemblies by allowing for external access and independent handling of components, reducing maintenance complexity and increasing maintenance efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-loaded actuator
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
An assembly (20) is provided for a turbine engine with an axial centerline (22). This assembly includes a turbine engine structure (24) and a valve assembly (26). The turbine engine structure (24) includes an outer duct wall (28), an inner duct wall (30), a first flow path (34) and a second flow path (26). The inner duct wall (30) is radially inward of the outer duct wall (28). The first flow path (34) is radially inward of the inner duct wall (30). The second flow path (36) is radially outward of the inner duct wall (30) and is radially inward of the outer duct wall (28). The valve assembly (26) includes a valve element (52) and a valve actuator (54). The valve element (52) is configured to regulate flow of fluid between the first flow path (34) and the second flow path (36). The valve actuator (54) is configured to move the valve element (52). The valve actuator (54) is positioned entirely radially outward of the outer duct wall (28).