Fuel Injector Gas Distribution Block Parallel Tube Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Variations in thermal expansion of multiple fuel lines in gas turbine engines cause deflections in the fuel injector head, which existing technologies have not effectively addressed.
Innovation Solution
A fuel injector design featuring a distribution block that evenly distributes main gas fuel to three primary tubes, ensuring similar thermal expansion and preventing deformation and deflection of the injector head, by configuring the fuel distribution system to maintain parallel flow communication through multiple passages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fuel lines are used to supply fuel to the injector head, then the fuel distribution capability is improved, but thermal expansion variations cause deflections in the injector head
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the thermal parameters of the fuel lines - specifically making them identical in material composition, diameter, length, and insulation properties. This standardization of thermal parameters ensures uniform thermal expansion across all fuel lines, preventing differential expansion that would cause injector head deflection. The solution transforms the variable thermal behavior into consistent, predictable expansion that maintains injector head position stability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fuel lines with different thermal properties are used, then fuel distribution flexibility is improved, but thermal expansion variations increase causing injector head deflection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by ensuring that each fuel line possesses identical local properties - same material composition, same diameter, same wall thickness, and same thermal insulation characteristics. This uniformity in local qualities across all fuel lines ensures they exhibit identical thermal expansion behavior under the same operating conditions, thereby maintaining precise injector head positioning while still providing flexible fuel distribution capability.
3Device complexity
If thermal expansion is not controlled, then the fuel delivery system is simpler, but mechanical deformation and deflection of the injector head occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the fuel delivery system into distinct, identical modular fuel line segments. Each segment is designed with standardized thermal properties and can be independently analyzed for thermal expansion. By segmenting the system into identical units, the cumulative thermal expansion remains predictable and uniform, maintaining injector head structural integrity without requiring complex compensation mechanisms.
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 prevents mechanical deformation and deflection of the injector head by ensuring similar thermal expansion across all fuel tubes, enhancing the stability and performance of the gas turbine engine.
Implementation Method 1
Variations in the thermal expansion of multiple fuel lines may cause deflections in the fuel injector head
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel injector for a gas turbine engine is disclosed. The fuel injector includes a flange assembly with a distribution block, three main gas tubes, and an injector head. The distribution block evenly distributes a main gas fuel to the three main gas tubes. The injector head includes an injector body with a primary gas gallery including an annular shape. The three main gas tubes are connected in a parallel configuration between the distribution block and the primary gas gallery. The three main gas tubes are all in flow communication with the primary gas gallery and provide the main gas fuel from the same main gas fuel source.