Integrated Fire Shield Retaining Bracket for Fuel Nozzle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fuel supply systems for gas turbine engines lack protection against fire, failing to meet Federal Aviation Authority regulations that require components to function during fire events.
Innovation Solution
A retaining bracket with a fire shield is integrated into the fuel nozzle assembly, providing protection against disconnection of fuel transfer tubes and shielding the nozzle from flames, capable of withstanding 2000° F for a minimum of 5 minutes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate fire shielding parts are added to protect fuel nozzles, then fire protection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the retaining bracket and fire shield into a single integrated component. The retaining bracket serves dual functions: mechanically securing the fuel transfer tube connection and providing fire protection shielding. This eliminates the need for separate fire shield parts while maintaining both connection integrity and fire protection capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining bracket is designed with multi-functionality, simultaneously performing the mechanical retention function of securing fuel transfer tubes and the protective function of shielding against fire. The integrated structure allows one component to fulfill multiple protective and structural roles that previously required separate parts.
2Reliability
If multiple separate components are used for retaining and fire protection, then functional reliability is improved, but manufacturing and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining bracket and fire shield are merged into a single integrated component, reducing the number of assembly steps. Instead of separately installing a retaining bracket and then adding fire shields, the integrated component is installed as one unit, simplifying assembly while maintaining all necessary functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-functional retaining bracket reduces manufacturing complexity by eliminating the need to produce and assemble multiple separate components. The single component design reduces inventory requirements, simplifies quality control processes, and reduces assembly operations while maintaining functional reliability.
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 integrated retaining bracket/fire shield ensures the fuel nozzle and transfer tube manifold remain operational during a fire, meeting regulatory requirements without the need for separate heat shields, enhancing durability and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a fire shield forming a cover over the head of the fuel nozzle
Implementation Method 2
at least one retaining finger engageable with the at least one fuel transfer tube to impede the at least one fuel transfer tube from becoming disconnected
Data Source
AI summary
A retaining bracket is attached to a fuel nozzle for cooperating with a flange on a fuel transfer tube to prevent the fuel transfer tube from becoming disconnected from the fuel nozzle during engine operation. The retaining bracket is shaped so as to form an enclosure over a head of the nozzle, the enclosure acting as a fire shield to allow the nozzle to perform its intended functions for a predetermined period of time when exposed to an engine fire event.