External Turbine Engine Valve Actuator for Easy Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing turbine engine valve assemblies are difficult to inspect and replace due to their deep integration within the engine structure, necessitating a design that allows for easier access and removal without disassembling the outer duct wall.
Innovation Solution
A valve assembly configuration where the valve actuator is positioned radially outward of the outer duct wall, allowing for complete removal of the valve assembly without accessing the inner duct wall, and includes a spring-loaded or electric motor-driven valve element that can be translated between open and closed positions using a linkage system, enabling fluid flow regulation between flow paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the valve assembly is integrated within the engine structure connected to the duct wall, then the valve assembly provides stable flow path control, but the valve assembly becomes difficult to inspect and replace
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is divided into separable components: the valve body remains integrated with the duct wall for stable flow control, while the actuator is made externally accessible. This segmentation allows the actuator to be independently removed for inspection and replacement without disturbing the integrated valve body, resolving the contradiction between structural integration and maintenance accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator is extracted from the internal engine structure and positioned externally on the outer duct wall. This extraction maintains the valve's integrated flow control function while removing the actuator from the buried position, enabling easy access for inspection and repair without compromising the valve assembly's structural integration.
2Ease of repair
If the valve actuator is positioned radially outward of the outer duct wall, then the valve assembly can be easily removed without accessing the interior, but the valve actuator requires additional space outside the engine structure
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is repositioned from the radial dimension (inside the engine structure) to the axial dimension (outside the outer duct wall). This dimensional transition allows the actuator to be accessed from the engine's exterior without requiring additional radial space, enabling easy removal while minimizing the area occupied outside the engine structure.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the valve assembly is buried deep within the engine structure, then the valve assembly provides robust structural integration, but the valve assembly requires disassembly of the outer duct wall for inspection
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is segmented into two functional parts: the valve body remains deeply integrated with the duct wall for structural stability, while the actuator is positioned externally for simple inspection. This segmentation maintains robust structural integration while eliminating the need for duct wall disassembly during inspection, reducing procedure complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator is extracted from the buried position within the engine structure and relocated to the external surface of the outer duct wall. This extraction preserves the valve body's structural integration while removing the inspection barrier, allowing direct access to the actuator without disassembling the duct wall.
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly is provided for a turbine engine with an axial centerline. This assembly includes a turbine engine structure and a valve assembly. The turbine engine structure includes an outer duct wall, an inner duct wall, a first flow path and a second flow path. The inner duct wall is radially inward of the outer duct wall. The first flow path is radially inward of the inner duct wall. The second flow path is radially outward of the inner duct wall and is radially inward of the outer duct wall. The valve assembly includes a valve element and a valve actuator. The valve element is configured to regulate flow of fluid between the first flow path and the second flow path. The valve actuator is configured to move the valve element. The valve actuator is positioned entirely radially outward of the outer duct wall.