Fan Module Oil Transfer Bearing Layout for Misalignment Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current oil transfer devices in turbomachines face challenges such as manufacturing and assembly complexity, high cost, large axial footprint, and limited lifespan due to misalignments and wear, with maintenance requiring extensive turbomachine disassembly.
Innovation Solution
An oil transfer device with a plain bearing between the stator ring and shaft, and rolling bearings on either side, eliminating sealing segments and allowing radial flexibility, which reduces misalignment risks and wear, and is assembled by fixing the ring to the stator and shaft to the rotor, simplifying integration and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional fan module is used, then the structure is simple, but the bearing cannot be adequately supplied with oil leading to premature failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the oil reservoir, oil transfer device, and bearing support structure into an integrated fan module assembly. The oil reservoir is positioned to directly communicate with the bearing through the oil transfer device, merging functions of oil storage, transfer, and bearing lubrication into a single unified structure that improves bearing reliability without requiring separate external lubrication systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The oil transfer device acts as an intermediary component between the oil reservoir and the bearing. It specifically facilitates oil flow from the reservoir to the bearing, ensuring adequate lubrication supply. This intermediary mechanism resolves the contradiction by providing a dedicated oil delivery path that enhances bearing reliability while maintaining overall structural simplicity.
2Ease of repair
If the fan module is disassembled for bearing maintenance, then the bearing can be replaced, but the process is complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The fan module is designed with segmented components where the bearing assembly can be independently accessed. The oil reservoir and bearing are positioned such that the bearing can be serviced separately from the motor and fan blade assembly, allowing maintenance personnel to replace or service bearings without completely disassembling the entire fan module, thus reducing maintenance time and improving ease of repair.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the bearing is not adequately supplied with oil, then the structure remains simple, but the bearing life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The oil reservoir is pre-filled with lubricating oil and positioned to automatically supply oil to the bearing through the oil transfer device. This preliminary preparation of oil supply infrastructure ensures that the bearing receives adequate lubrication from the outset, extending bearing life without requiring complex active pumping or monitoring systems during operation.
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 solution enhances assembly efficiency, reduces wear and misalignment, minimizes axial footprint, and simplifies maintenance by allowing radial movement during assembly and operation, thus improving the device's lifespan and reducing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
the bearing is supplied with oil from an oil reservoir provided in the fan module
Implementation Method 2
an oil transfer device is provided which transfers oil from the oil reservoir to the bearing
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
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AI summary
The invention relates to a fan module for an aircraft turbine engine, this module comprising a fan (12) comprising variable pitch blades (12a) and an oil transfer device (174) configured to provide a transfer of oil between a stator and a rotor, this device comprising: - a stator ring (180) comprising internal oil ducts (180b), - a shaft (182) inserted into said ring (180) and comprising internal oil ducts (182b), and - an annular support (250) of the ring (180) configured to deform elastically so as to allow movements of the ring (180) in the radial direction, - a plain bearing (P) located between the ring (180) and the shaft (182), and - roller bearings (220, 230) mounted between the ring (180) and the shaft (182) on either side of the plain bearing (P).