Fan Module Variable Pitch Blades Centrifugal Lubricant Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ducted fan modules with variable pitch blades face challenges in lubricant management, as lubricants can contaminate internal devices and create imbalances due to storage in cavities, affecting the dynamic equilibrium of the rotor.
Innovation Solution
A fan module design with a centrifugal lubricant recovery and guidance system that directs lubricant from the axial upstream end to the downstream end and radially from the inside to the outside, preventing contamination of the feathering device and minimizing lubricant storage, thereby maintaining the dynamic equilibrium of the rotor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a liquid lubricant is used for heavily loaded bearings, then the bearing lubrication is improved, but the internal devices (feathering device) are contaminated by the lubricant
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosure is divided into a lubricant storage zone and a feathering device zone, separated by a partition. This segmentation prevents the lubricant from contacting the feathering device while maintaining adequate lubrication of the bearings, thus resolving the contradiction between reliable bearing lubrication and prevention of feathering device contamination
Solution Approach 2:
A partition acts as an intermediary barrier between the lubricant and the feathering device. The partition allows the lubricant to be stored in specific cavities while preventing it from migrating to and contaminating the feathering device, thus enabling both functions to coexist without interference
2Reliability
If lubricant is stored in cavities of the enclosure, then bearing lubrication is maintained, but imbalances are created harmful to the dynamic equilibrium of the rotor
Solution Approach 1:
The lubricant storage cavities are specifically designed with controlled volumes and strategic positioning to provide adequate lubrication locally while maintaining overall balance. The partition creates localized storage zones that prevent excessive lubricant accumulation in critical areas, thus maintaining both bearing lubrication and rotor dynamic equilibrium
Solution Approach 2:
The partition introduces a spatial dimension to lubricant management by creating separated zones within the enclosure. This dimensional organization allows lubricant to be stored in controlled locations away from the rotor's critical balance zones, enabling adequate lubrication without compromising dynamic equilibrium
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 system effectively prevents lubricant contamination and storage, ensuring optimal operation and performance of the fan module by controlling lubricant routing and minimizing the required lubricant quantity, thus enhancing the dynamic equilibrium and reducing drag resistance.
Implementation Method 1
the module comprises means for recovering and guiding a liquid lubricant of the bearing, the recovery and guidance means being configured to recover and guide said lubricant from said axial upstream end of the casing, axially from upstream to downstream and radially from the inside to the outside, under the centrifugal effect
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a fan module with variable pitch blades for a propulsion unit, the fan module comprising a rotor carrying the blades and comprising an inner shaft and an outer casing defining between them a space, a control device for controlling the pitch of the blades, and a feathering device for feathering the blades. The rotation of the rotor is guided by a bearing, and the module further comprises means for recovering and guiding a liquid lubricant of the bearing, with the recovery and guidance means being configured to recover and guide said lubricant from an axial upstream end of the casing, axially from upstream to downstream and radially from the inside to the outside, under the centrifugal effect.