Gas Turbine Fluid Line Segment With Contaminant Drain Cavity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pneumatic actuator systems in gas turbine engines face challenges with filter maintenance due to the presence of contaminants, leading to increased maintenance costs and downtime, while reducing filter capacity to minimize these issues often results in increased weight and size.
Innovation Solution
A fluid line segment with a contaminant containment cavity and integrated evacuation passage is designed to collect contaminants before they reach the filter, reducing the frequency of maintenance by allowing them to settle under gravity or with mechanical assistance, and incorporating a removable component for easy cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a filter is used in the fluid line to protect the pneumatic actuator from contaminants, then the reliability of the pneumatic actuator is improved, but the weight and size of the filter increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two separate filtering stages: a first filter located upstream that captures larger contaminants, and a second filter located downstream that captures smaller particles. This segmentation allows each filter to be smaller and lighter than a single large filter would be, while collectively providing comprehensive protection.
Solution Approach 2:
A drain assembly is introduced as an intermediary component between the two filters. This drain assembly collects and removes accumulated contaminants and condensation, preventing them from overwhelming the filters. The intermediary drain system enables the use of smaller, lighter filters while maintaining reliable protection.
2Reliability
If a filter with sufficient capacity is used to reduce maintenance frequency, then the reliability is improved, but the weight and size of the filter increase
Solution Approach 1:
The filtering function is segmented across two filters of moderate capacity rather than one large filter. The upstream filter handles the bulk of contaminant loading, while the downstream filter provides final protection. This segmentation allows maintenance to be performed on smaller individual filters more efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The drain assembly acts as an intermediary that actively removes contaminants before they saturate the filters. By continuously draining accumulated particles and condensation, the system extends filter life and reduces maintenance frequency without requiring oversized filters.
3Weight of moving object
If the filter capacity is reduced to minimize weight and size, then the weight is reduced, but the maintenance frequency increases
Solution Approach 1:
Two smaller filters are used instead of one large filter. Each filter can be optimized for its specific location and function, allowing lighter individual components. The segmented approach distributes the contaminant loading, preventing any single filter from becoming excessively large while maintaining overall system protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The drain assembly serves as a critical intermediary that actively manages contaminant accumulation. By providing continuous drainage, it prevents rapid saturation of the smaller filters, thereby extending their service life and reducing maintenance frequency despite their reduced capacity.
4Device complexity
If a single filter is used to simplify the system, then the device complexity is reduced, but the maintenance frequency increases due to faster contaminant accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses two filters arranged in series with a drain assembly, creating a segmented approach to filtration. While this increases component count, each component is simpler in design and function. The segmentation allows contaminants to be progressively removed, extending maintenance intervals despite the added component.
Solution Approach 2:
The drain assembly is introduced as an intermediary component that actively manages the filtration system by removing accumulated contaminants and condensation. This intermediary function prevents rapid filter saturation, reducing maintenance frequency and offsetting the increased system 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
The solution effectively reduces the frequency of filter maintenance, minimizing downtime and maintenance costs while maintaining filter efficiency and reducing weight and size.
Implementation Method 1
collect contaminants before they reach the filter, reducing the frequency of maintenance by allowing them to settle under gravity
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A fluid line segment (40) has a body having an inlet (48), an outlet (50), and a gas path (44) extending between the inlet (48) and the outlet (50, a containment cavity (42) extending between the gas path (44) and a cavity bottom (52), the containment cavity (42) in fluid communication with the gas path (44), a projection protruding (60) from the cavity bottom (52) of the containment cavity (42) towards the gas path (44), an orifice (58) defined in the projection (60), and an evacuation passage (24) extending from the orifice (58), across the projection (60) and leading outside the body (46), the evacuation passage (24) being in fluid communication with the containment cavity (42) and the gas path (44) via the orifice (58).