Fuel Injector Splash Plate for Modular Installation and Fuel Dispersion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel injectors for gas turbine engines are cumbersome to install and require significant disassembly for inspection, maintenance, and replacement, and they lack modular replaceability and efficient fuel dispersion.
Innovation Solution
A modular fuel injector design featuring a splash plate that redirects fuel jets to enhance dispersion, allowing for easy installation and replacement without disassembling the engine, and includes anti-rotation features for secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a unitary body fuel injector configuration is used, then engine assembly is simplified, but the fuel injector cannot be replaced without replacing or modifying the engine casing
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel injector system is divided into separable components: a removable fuel injector assembly and an engine casing with an injector receptacle. The fuel injector can be independently removed and replaced without modifying the engine casing, resolving the contradiction between simplified assembly and ease of repair.
2Ease of operation
If existing fuel injector design is used, then fuel injection function is provided, but installation is cumbersome and requires significant engine disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel injector is designed as a standalone removable component with a receptacle in the engine casing, allowing installation and removal without disassembling the engine. This segmentation simplifies the installation procedure while maintaining the fuel injection function.
Solution Approach 2:
The injector receptacle is pre-formed in the engine casing with appropriate positioning features, allowing the fuel injector to be directly installed without requiring additional assembly steps or engine disassembly, thus simplifying the installation procedure.
3Productivity
If conventional fuel nozzle design is used, then fuel delivery is achieved, but fuel dispersion and atomization are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel nozzle is separated from the fuel injector body and positioned to direct fuel against a splash plate. This segmentation allows the nozzle to focus on delivery while the splash plate handles dispersion and atomization, improving fuel dispersion without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
A splash plate is introduced as an intermediary component between the fuel nozzle and the combustion chamber. The splash plate receives the fuel jet from the nozzle and disperses it into finer droplets, enhancing fuel atomization without requiring the nozzle itself to be complex.
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
Facilitates easy installation, replacement, and improved fuel dispersion, enhancing engine efficiency and reducing carbon formation, while maintaining engine integrity.
Implementation Method 1
The fuel injector is configured to direct the fuel out of the nozzle passage through the nozzle orifice to impinge against the splash plate
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An engine assembly (20) includes an engine structure (21) and a fuel injector (22). The engine structure (21) includes an injector receptacle (30). The injector receptacle (30) extends longitudinally through the engine structure (21) along a centerline (24). The fuel injector (22) is received by the injector receptacle (30). The fuel injector (22) includes a fuel nozzle (76) and a splash plate (70). The fuel nozzle (76) is configured to direct fuel out of the fuel injector (22) to impinge against the splash plate (70).